Caligula - charactor profile, film, facts and memorabilia

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Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
AKA Caligula

(August 31, 12 - January 24, 41)

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. (August 31, 12 - January 24, 41), more commonly known by his nickname Caligula, was the third Roman Emperor and a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, ruling from 37 to 41 A.D.

Most of Caligula's life is unknown, however, it is known that during his brief reign, Caligula focused much of his attention on ambitious construction projects and territorial expansion. He worked to increase the authority of the principate and struggled to maintain his position against several conspiracies to overthrow him. He was eventually assassinated in 41 by several of his own guards in a conspiracy involving the Roman Senate.

Though Caligula was popular with the Roman public throughout his reign, the scarce surviving sources focus upon anecdotes of his alleged cruelty, extravagance and sexual perversity, presenting him as an insane tyrant.

Caligula is described by Philo of Alexandria and Seneca the Younger as being an insane Emperor who was self-absorbed, angry, killed on a whim and who indulged in too much spending and sex. Accused of sleeping with other men's wives and bragging about it, killing for mere amusement, purposely wasting money on his bridge, causing starvation, and wanting a statue of himself erected in the Temple of Jerusalem for his worship. It's also allege he made the palace into a literal brothel. Perhaps most famously, it's said that Caligula tried to make his horse, Incitatus, a consul and a priest.

SUMMARY

ARCH RIVAL :
STRENGTHS :	A strong and skilled Roman Emperor who enjoyed killing for mere sport.
WEAKNESSES :	Caligula suffered from "falling sickness" when he was young and lived with a daily fear of seizures. Despite swimming being a part of imperial education, Caligula could not swim, light reflecting off water can induce seizures. Additionally, Caligula reportedly talked to the full moon, as Epilepsy was also long associated with the moon. It's also claimed that Caligula suffered from hyperthyroidism - Caligula's irritability and his "stare".
WEAPONS :	Roman weapons.
QUOTE :	"Are you sure? You're almost dead! What's it like, what's happening to you now?"