Caligula's Cruelty

Caligula was famous for promoting the maxim of death by a thousand cuts. His usual order to the executioners was to make him feel that he is dying. When one man continued to proclaim his innocence as the execution began, Caligula halted the proceedings. Then, he ordered the soldiers to cut out the man's tongue so Caligula would be able to enjoy the execution in peace. The only practical foundation for all of this random cruelty was that Caligula needed money.