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.
Caligula's initial popularity was rooted in his benevolent policies such as tax reductions and cultural liberation, showing the complexities of his reign.
His tumultuous relationships and shocking acts, including stealing brides and alleged incest, highlighted his notorious reputation as a historical 'f*ckboy.'
The transformation from a seemingly benevolent leader to a tyrant exemplified the dangerous nature of absolute power in ancient Rome.
Deep dives
Caligula's Ascension and Early Rule
Caligula, also known as Gaius Julius Caesar, ascended to the throne as Rome's third emperor after the suspicious death of Tiberius. Initially hailed as a hero, he earned popularity by lowering taxes, reintroducing banned literature, and hosting lavish spectacles for the Roman people. His reign began positively, characterized by a public who showered him with adoration and celebrated his arrival with massive animal sacrifices. However, shortly after taking power, Caligula fell seriously ill and, upon recovery, his behavior started showing severe changes that would lead him towards a notorious legacy.
Caligula's Notorious Behaviors and Relationships
Caligula is often remembered for his extravagant and often outrageous behavior, ranging from his tumultuous marriages to acts of public humiliation against the Senate. He was married four times, with one marriage occurring after he stole the bride from another's wedding, which reflected his 'fuckboy' tendencies. His relationships with women were marked by assertiveness and excess, as he was known for general promiscuity and even alleged incestuous behavior with his sisters, particularly with Drusilla, who he reportedly had a deep emotional attachment to. These questionable relationships contributed significantly to his controversial status in Roman history.
Violent Reign and Reputation
As Caligula's rule progressed, he transformed from a seemingly benevolent leader into a tyrant, engaging in acts of violence and cruelty against the Senate and his own citizens. He dismissed societal norms, using sexual violence as a tool of power, which alienated him further from the Roman elites. The emperor openly mocked the Senate, publicly humiliating them and displaying his power through senseless acts, such as closing granaries to starve the Roman people. This fueled hatred among the political elite, setting up the groundwork for his eventual assassination.
The Assassination Conspiracy
In 41 AD, frustration within the ranks of the Praetorian Guard culminated in a conspiracy to assassinate Caligula, driven by several grievances, including the emperor's public ridicule. The plot was led by Cassius Cairea, the head of the guard, who had grown tired of Caligula's incessant mockery and whims. On a seemingly normal day, Caligula was ambushed and brutally slain by Cairea and fellow conspirators, exemplifying the perilous nature of power in ancient Rome. The violent end to his reign was marked not only by his own brutal murder but also by the deaths of his wife and child, effectively eradicating his lineage.
Caligula's Legacy of Excess
Caligula's legacy is largely defined by his sexual indiscretions and violent rule, which became central to the accounts written about him by historians. While he engaged in numerous sexual exploits, both with women and men, much of his notoriety stems from the sheer affront he presented to societal norms and conventions of his time. His acts were often seen not just as personal indulgences, but also as deliberate provocations against the Senate and the Roman people. Ultimately, these behaviors contributed to the perception of Caligula as a 'historical fuckboy,' a term that encapsulates the decadence and disregard he exhibited during his tumultuous reign.
Have you ever heard of the Emperor who made his horse a senator? Seems like a top bloke, right? Today on Betwixt the Sheets we’re going to meet (possibly) the most debauched Roman Emperor.
From stealing brides from their wedding days to an unhealthy obsession with his sister, who was Caligula and was he a f*ckboy? Kate is joined by historian Alexander Meddings to find out.
Alexander is a Rome-based historian and travel writer. He leads tours of the Appian Way - one of the most important roads of Ancient Rome.
This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.
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