Caligula

Full Name: Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Profession: 3rd Roman Emperor

Biography: Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, known as Caligula, was the third Roman Emperor. He ruled from AD 37 to 41 and was known for his controversial reign and erratic behavior.

Caligula was born into a prominent Roman family. His father, Germanicus, was a respected general. As a child, Caligula accompanied his father on military campaigns, where soldiers gave him his nickname, meaning "little boot" in Latin.

After his father's death, Caligula lived with Emperor Tiberius on Capri. He became emperor at age 24 when Tiberius died and was initially popular. He started out with public works projects and reduced taxes.

Caligula's rule changed after he fell ill in AD 37, after which he began to act strangely and cruelly. He demanded that the people worship him as a god and spent recklessly, leading to new taxes and unpopular fundraising methods.

Thereafter his relationship with the Senate worsened, and he eventually accused many senators of treason and had them executed. Caligula also created tension with Jewish communities in Alexandria and Judea—especially through erecting statues of himself as a deity, in contravention of the Jewish prohibition on idolatry.

In AD 41, members of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers assassinated Caligula and his uncle Claudius became the next emperor. Caligula's death ended the Julii Caesares family line, though the Julio-Claudian dynasty continued until the end of Nero's reign.

Born: August 31, 12
Birthplace: Anzio, Italy
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: January 24, 41 (aged 28)
Cause of Death: Assassination