Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society History's Worst F*ckboys: Emperor Caligula
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Apr 10, 2025 Join historian Alexander Meddings, a Rome-based expert on ancient history, as he dives into the life of Emperor Caligula, known for his bizarre and scandalous reign. They discuss Caligula's infamous actions, including his obsession with his sister and making his horse a senator. Meddings sheds light on the chaos of Caligula’s rule, his erratic behavior, and the political intrigues that defined his time. Laugh and cringe at the absurdity of his marriages and the violent downfall that ultimately ended his tyrannical reign.
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Germanicus's Death and Rome's Reaction
- Caligula's father, Germanicus, died in 19 AD, allegedly poisoned by Emperor Tiberius.
- Rome erupted in extreme mourning, with stories of abandoned babies and enemy truces, highlighting Germanicus's popularity.
Agrippina's Accusation and Tiberius's Revenge
- Agrippina the Elder, Caligula's mother, used Germanicus's funeral to accuse Tiberius of his murder.
- Tiberius retaliated by exiling and starving Caligula's family, leaving him alone with his grandmother.
Caligula's upbringing on Capri
- Caligula was raised by Tiberius on Capri after his family's demise.
- While there, Caligula engaged in disguised escapades of gluttony and adultery, tolerated by Tiberius to calm his vicious nature.