Image: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Why Was the Roman Emperor, Caligula, Assassinated?
Beginning his reign as the Third Roman Emperor on March 16, 37 AD, Caligula was assassinated on January 24, 41 AD, due to a major shift in his behavior.
From the beginning of his reign to October of 37 AD, his behavior was generous and capable of leading the empire, but seven months in, he fell severely ill, which caused him to become paranoid and cruel, leading Praetorian Guard Officers, Senators, and Courtiers to assassinate him.
Caligula took the reins of Rome from Tiberius on March 16, 37 AD, who ruled from 14 AD until his death on March 16, 37 AD.
During his reign, his primary goals were to consolidate an absolute autocracy, establish divine kingship, secure populist loyalty, and expand territory to the North.
During his tenure as Emperor, one of Caligula’s primary issues was finances.
On March 16, he inherited a major inheritance from Tiberius, amounting to 2.3 and 2.7 sesterces, which he would use for bonuses given to Praetorian Guards, the military, and Roman citizens, but he would also use the rest for personal luxury and ongoing entertainment.
Meanwhile, Roman citizens faced levied taxes on everyday necessities, weddings, divorces, and prostitution, all of which led to a crumbling reputation
In 37 AD, Roman Emperor Caligula fell seriously ill, possibly from severe encephalitis, temporal lobe epilepsy, or lead poisoning from wine vessels.
The severity of his sickness caused the entire empire to panic, enough that senators and citizens prayed for his recovery.
When he was healed, his behavior turned erratic.
On January 24, 41 AD, Caligula was ambushed in a corridor beneath the Palatine Palace as he was returning from the Palatine Games.
Guard officers led by Cassius Chaerea and Cornelius Sabinus stabbed him 30 times, while also killing his wife and daughter.
Overall, the assassination of Caligula, the Third Roman Emperor, was a response to his cruelty and disregard for Roman political policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does “Caligula” mean?
Caligula means “Little Boot.” Roman soldiers gave the Emperor this nickname when he was a toddler traveling with his father, the famous General Germanicus, because he wore a miniature soldier’s uniform.
Source: https://www.history.com/articles/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-caligula
2) Who succeeded Emperor Caligula?
Caligula’s uncle, Claudius, succeeded him. He was found hiding behind a curtain in the palace shortly after Caligula’s murder.
Source: https://www.history.com/articles/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-caligula
3) Why did Caligula go “mad”?
Six months into his reign as Emperor, Caligula fell ill. When he recovered, his behavior shifted from generous and capable to paranoid, cruel, and erratic.
Source: https://www.history.com/articles/7-things-you-may-not-know-about-caligula
Why it matters
Caligula’s assassination exposed the dangers of unchecked autocratic power in ancient Rome.
Sources
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