Fin vs History BI BAM BINNOBENT BOF BALL BARGES | Caligula (Part 2)
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Oct 30, 2025 The hosts dive into Caligula's shocking recovery and his ruthless revenge tactics. They explore his reign of fear, marked by his infamous declaration of being hated but feared. The discussion turns to his scandalous relationships and public humiliations at banquets, showcasing his contempt for the senate. Cruel spectacles and bizarre orders, like whipping the sea, highlight his madness. The narrative culminates in the dramatic assassination setup and the power shift to Claudius. The hosts also tackle the myths surrounding Caligula's notorious legacy.
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Sources Shape The Tyrant Myth
- Fin and Horatio frame Suetonius as a sensational source and warn many Caligula stories are likely exaggerated.
- They treat Caligula's portrait as a mix of probable madness and later malicious spin.
Drusilla's Deification And Mourning
- Fin recounts Caligula deifying his favorite sister Drusilla and naming his daughter after her.
- He imposed extreme mourning rules, making laughter a capital crime during that period.
Theatre As Political Power Play
- Caligula blurred private humiliation and public spectacle to assert dominance over elites.
- He used theatrical stunts to shame senators and display raw despotism rather than subtle rule.