Caligula (12–41 CE)

Question 1

Who was Caligula?

Answer 1

Caligula, born Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the third Roman emperor, ruling from AD 37 to 41.

Question 2

What does the nickname ‘Caligula’ mean?

Answer 2

‘Caligula’ means ‘little boots,’ a nickname he earned as a child while accompanying his father’s army.

Question 3

Who were Caligula’s parents?

Answer 3

His father was Germanicus, a popular military leader, and his mother was Agrippina the Elder.

Question 4

What happened to Caligula’s family during his early life?

Answer 4

Caligula’s father died mysteriously, and his mother and brothers were exiled or executed by Emperor Tiberius.

Question 5

At what age did Caligula become emperor?

Answer 5

He became emperor at age 24.

Question 6

What was one of Caligula’s first acts as emperor?

Answer 6

He pardoned prisoners and hosted lavish public games early in his reign.

Question 7

Which god did Caligula declare himself to be?

Answer 7

Caligula declared himself a living deity, demanding worship as a god.

Question 8

What are two examples of Caligula’s construction projects?

Answer 8

Caligula built large ships on Lake Nemi and initiated the construction of aqueducts and theaters.

Question 9

How did Caligula attempt to display his power over nature?

Answer 9

He allegedly ordered a floating bridge of ships across the Bay of Baiae so he could ride his horse across the water.

Question 10

Which unusual title did Caligula reportedly want to give his horse Incitatus?

Answer 10

He reportedly wanted to make his horse a consul.

Question 11

What time period did Caligula live in?

Answer 11

He lived during the early years of the Roman Empire, from AD 12 to 41.

Question 12

Who ruled before Caligula, and how did this ruler’s reign influence Caligula’s early rule?

Answer 12

Tiberius ruled before Caligula, and his unpopular reign led people to initially welcome Caligula with optimism.

Question 13

What was Caligula’s relationship with the Roman Senate?

Answer 13

He alienated the Senate by mocking its authority and executing perceived enemies.

Question 14

What was one of the main controversies surrounding Caligula’s personal life?

Answer 14

He was accused of having incestuous relationships with his sisters, particularly Drusilla.

Question 15

How did Caligula die?

Answer 15

Caligula was assassinated in AD 41 by officers of the Praetorian Guard, with support from members of the Senate.

Question 16

What impact did Caligula’s assassination have on Rome?

Answer 16

His death led to the rise of his uncle Claudius as emperor, restoring some order to Rome.

Question 17

How is Caligula’s reign remembered today?

Answer 17

Caligula is remembered for his cruelty, madness, and excessive behavior as an example of tyrannical power.

Question 18

What impact did Caligula’s actions have on later Roman governance?

Answer 18

His erratic rule showed the dangers of absolute power and influenced the development of more controlled imperial systems.

Question 19

What does the story of Caligula commanding his soldiers to attack the sea represent?

Answer 19

It is an example of his erratic behavior and exaggerated sense of power, symbolized by ‘declaring war’ on the god Neptune.

Question 20

How long did Caligula rule as emperor?

Answer 20

He ruled for approximately four years, from AD 37 to 41.

Question 21

Which Roman emperor succeeded Caligula?

Answer 21

His uncle, Claudius, succeeded him as emperor.

Question 22

What is the most famous funny or bizarre anecdote about Caligula?

Answer 22

He allegedly commanded his soldiers to collect seashells as ‘spoils of war’ after declaring war on the sea.