Few figures in ancient history evoke as much fascination, horror, and intrigue as Caligula, the third Roman Emperor. Known for his cruelty, extravagance, and erratic behavior, Caligula has become a symbol of tyrannical madness. But how much of what we know about him is based on historical truth, and how much is myth or exaggeration by ancient sources?
Here are five true facts about Caligula, based on historical records and the work of ancient historians like Suetonius, Cassius Dio, and Tacitus, as well as modern historical analysis.
Caligula Was Loved at First
Contrary to his later infamy, Caligula was immensely popular when he first became emperor in 37 CE. The Roman people were tired of the cold and autocratic rule of Tiberius, his predecessor. Caligula, the son of the beloved general Germanicus and the great-grandson of Augustus, represented youth, charisma, and hope.
When he became emperor, he granted bonuses to the Praetorian Guard, abolished unpopular taxes, and released political prisoners. Rome celebrated his accession with festivals and games. The first few months of his reign were marked by generosity and public approval—hard to imagine considering what would come later.
A Severe Illness May Have Changed His Personality
One of the great historical debates around Caligula is why his reign took such a dark turn. After only a few months as emperor, he suffered a serious illness, possibly epilepsy, meningitis, or encephalitis. Ancient historians note that after this mysterious illness, his behavior became increasingly erratic, cruel, and paranoid.
He reportedly began seeing himself as a living god, demanded worship, and committed acts of shocking brutality. Some modern historians believe the illness may have caused neurological damage or mental instability, explaining the stark contrast between his early and later rule.
He Declared Himself a God—and Expected to Be Worshipped
Caligula didn’t just compare himself to the gods—he demanded divine honors. He built temples in his own name, erected statues of himself dressed as Jupiter, and even replaced the heads of other gods' statues with his own.
In one infamous incident, he ordered his statue to be placed inside the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, which would have been a religious outrage. Luckily, this order was never carried out due to the resistance of local Roman governors and the emperor’s eventual assassination.
Caligula frequently dressed as various gods during public appearances and reportedly forced senators to worship him as a living deity, turning Roman political life into an absurd theater of obedience and fear. shutdown123