In early 37 CE, the aging Emperor Tiberius finally selected a successor by letting chance decide: whoever entered his chamber first would be heir. Caligula arrived before Tiberius's grandson Gemellus, securing the throne. Caligula's early life was shaped by his father Germanicus's military fame and subsequent family persecution. After Germanicus's suspicious death, Caligula's mother and brothers were systematically eliminated by Tiberius's prefect, Sejanus. At age 18, Caligula was taken to Capri as Tiberius's virtual prisoner for six years, enduring and witnessing extreme depravity and abuse, which he survived through feigned compliance. Following Sejanus's execution, Caligula gained the crucial support of the new Praetorian Prefect, Macro. Tiberius's death soon after Caligula's designation led to rumors that Caligula murdered him. Caligula's subsequent reign became infamous for cruelty and madness, though some historians argue ancient accounts are exaggerated, potentially due to propaganda contrasting him with his heroic father.
Due to the graphic nature of this dictators.
Rain listener, discretion is advised this episode includes discussions of murder and sexual situations that some people may find offensive.
We advise Extreme Caution for children under 13 In early March 37, C E, Emperor.
Tiberius was faced with the most critical decision of his entire Reign.
Choosing a successor, the 77 year old had led the Roman Empire for 22 years and the end was near but he couldn't decide who should take his place, his teenage grandson gemellus or his 24 year old adopted grandson Caligula.
Difficult decisions was always a problem for Tiberius.
It was evident to all that.
He had no desire to lead Rome instead he preferred the sexual perks that came with the position of Emperor and eventually he came up with a brilliant way to avoid.
Even this crucial Choice, he would let the gods decide who should be the next Emperor.
Tiberius sent a message to both boys and told them to come and see him at once.
Who ever walked through the door?
First, would officially be declared his Heir?
It was perfect as Tiberius.
Waited in his chamber.
He heard a knock on the door and looked up.
There is complete and total disappointment.
It was Caligula through gritted teeth.
Tiberius embraced his adopted grandson and officially declared him heir to the throne.
A Viper was about to be Unleashed on the people of Rome.
Welcome to dictators a Spotify original from par cast.
I'm Richard.
And I'm Kate.
You can find all episodes of dictators and all other Spotify.
Originals from par cast for free on Spotify.
Today, we continue our discussion of the giulio claudian dynasty with Caligula.
One of the most infamous Roman emperors in history.
He ruled from 37 C.
E 241 see.
Out that rain, he was known for his cruelty and insanity this week.
We'll follow.
The rise of Caligula.
Will discuss how Caligula grew up in his father's Shadow and came to be imprisoned by Emperor Tiberius in Capri.
But the young man didn't just get out of captivity.
He made it to the seat of the emperor where many Romans.
Hope This relative unknown would do some good.
Their hopes were quickly, dashed.
Dashed next week, we'll examine some of the more outrageous stories associated with Caligula once he assumed power, including the construction of a 3-mile floating bridge and is failed campaign to conquer Britannia.
He thought these foibles were his right, he saw himself as a God, but an assassination plot.
Proved just how wrong he was coming up.
We'll dive into the rise of Caligula.
Caligula the name alone, conjures images of a man consumed by Madness, cruelty and Xs, for thousands of years.
The world new Caligula.
As one of the quintessential examples of Roman overindulgence.
He was made all the more Infamous in the 1979, erotic, historical, film.
That bears.
His name, many modern historians confirm, these General ideas.
Caligula wasn't Murderous selfish and paranoid Tyrant.
However, historians have also suggested that the ancient writers exaggerated Caligula's evil.
This historical slander, was most likely due to the fact that Caligula didn't live up to the standards set by his father.
The great Roman general germanicus Caligula was born, Gaius Julius Caesar germanicus on August 31st 12, see his mother was agrippina the Elder granddaughter of Augustus Caesar at the time of Caligula's birth.
Augustus was in the final two years of his Reign about a year after Caligula was born, germanicus was appointed commander of the Roman Legions in the Rhine.
So for the first several years of his life, Caligula grew up amongst Soldiers.
And in many ways, the stage was set for Caligula to follow in his Father's Footsteps.
The Roman soldiers found themselves.
Entertained by the young Caligula, who agrippina?
The Elder dressed like a lesion.
Are he quickly became the pet of the troops as part of his Soldiers, uniform?
The young boy War, the standard color guy boot, this led to the nickname Caligula or tiny Boots, the names Stuck with him for the rest of his life, much too Caligula's annoyance.
This quaint portrait of family life amidst, the Army was interrupted in 14 ad when the unpopular Tiberius became emperor of Rome in response soldiers in the Rhine Legions threatened to Mutiny the only way germanicus could stop them was if he met the following demands, an increase in Pay shorter terms of service and for germanicus to declare himself, Emperor fearing his family's safety.
Germanicus acquiesce to pay the increase and cut back service length.
But these moves only increase the calls for germanicus to become emperor which germanicus would not do instead he promised to take his soldiers on campaign against the Germans according to historian.
Stephen dando, Collins Rome.
Traditionally, battled the Germans every year between March and October.
In recent years, however, there had been a decrease in Inviting germanicus promised his men more money and eternal glory.
And for the next two years, they got would, he'd promised germanicus and his men crushed, various Germanic tribes one of his most significant victories came at the Battle of Edisto Vizio in 16c 80,000.
Roman soldiers defeated 50,000 Germanic troops.
The battle, put an end to a three-year campaign earning germanicus and Man, Fame and Glory back in Rome, but in the process it made germanicus an enemy of his adoptive father, Emperor.
Tiberius to Emperor.
Tiberius germanicus is victories represented, the soldiers, attempt to usurp power Tiberius was convinced that roams troops were more loyal to germanicus than their Emperor and he wasn't wrong, but Tiberius knew that he couldn't simply kill germanicus.
He's such an act.
Might inspire a rebellion, instead, he recalled germanicus to Rome where he could keep an eye on him to sweeten.
The return, he promised to give germanicus a Triumph, the Roman celebration for a Victorious military commander and germanicus wanted to make his Triumph a family affair.
In May 17 Cee four-year-old, Caligula return to Rome in style, he stood beside his hero father and siblings in a chariot showered with cheers behind them was the parade made up of germanicus has Legions as Caligula wrote through Rome's streets and did laps around the circus Maximus.
The Triumph was seared into his memory, it felt so good to be adored.
However, Caligula's time in Rome, only lasted a few months.
At the end of the summer, germanicus was appointed, commander-in-chief of a conveniently distant region, he a pregnant, agrippina, the Elder, and the young Caligula headed to the Middle East once they establish their home base, in Antioch Syria, germanicus toured throughout the Eastern portion of the Empire.
He Island hopped in the Aegean Sea.
Road through the Rolling Hills of Armenia and sailed up the Nile to see the pyramids.
After two years, he returned to Antioch.
And that's precisely when trouble started Brewing.
The governor of Syria was a man named genious piso and he wasn't too thrilled that you're Medicus was now in the region as his Superior.
Germanicus, technically, outranked be so, so P.
So did everything he could to assert his authority in January 19, Cee germanicus traveled to Egypt the region had recently experienced famine and the commander needed to survey the damage when he Turn to Syria.
He discovered that piece o had reversed.
All of the orders he had.
Given to the Army Legions and surrounding cities.
Although it is unknown precisely, what those orders were germanicus was understandably livid so much so that he banished P.
So, from his court that October germanicus suddenly and violently fell ill, he quickly assume that P.
So had somehow poisoned him, this fear was first, when he discovered that piece owes wife was friends with a known Syrian poisoner, but before germanicus could seek Justice, he succumbed to his illness and died for the seven-year-old Caligula, the loss of his father, a hero of Rome was devastating for the rest of his life, wherever Caligula, went the memory of his father, followed In the Years following germanicus death, Caligula lived with his mother and three younger sisters probably in Rome.
It was during this period when Caligula sexual depravity was said to have originated when Caligula was around 15, he was caught in bed with his 12 year old, sister, Julia Drusilla.
This episode has long been considered the evidence for stories of Caligula's ramp and incest.
However, modern Ends believe it may have actually originated from ancient anti Caligula.
Propaganda of the six, ancient historians who chronicled Caligula's life suetonius is the only one who wrote about Caligula in bed with Drusilla.
And while other ancient historians had bad things to say about Caligula, suetonius is especially severe so much so that his narration is unreliable, in fact during his teenage years The Caligula was probably best known not for his depravity, but for his love of singing and dancing.
The reason Caligula was allowed to continue, living with his mother and sisters.
Was that Emperor Tiberius?
Never considered him a threat though at times.
Tiberius was wary of Caligula's older brothers.
He found the artistic young Caligula somewhat Whimsical but not everyone shared this belief.
Some within the emperor's Council believe that all of germanicus is family posed, a threat to the throne and That threat needed to be eliminated the man leading that charge was Lucius Alias, say honest.
As we discussed in our episodes, on Tiberius say honest was the prefect or commander of the praetorian Guard, the private Bodyguards of the royal family.
Since becoming prefect sayin, he's had his eye on the throne and he would do whatever he could to get there.
That included.
Eliminating Rivals like germanicus is family see, honest is first Target was Caligula's mother agrippina.
The He went about using his influence to isolate her, that included banishing, her family and friends, or to Prosecuting them on absurd charges.
And his tactics worked plus even better.
For say, honest, agrippina believe that it was Emperor, Tiberius, who was responsible at the same time, say honest, manipulated Tiberius into thinking that agrippina was angling for power for herself and her sons.
Whether or not agrippina actually plotted to usurp Tiberius, the rumors made agrippina persona non grata throughout the Roman aristocracy things, finally came to a head in 28c by now.
Tiberius was off on the island of Capri and Nero.
Germanicus Caligula's, eldest, brother was named are, but at the same time, say honest, had total influence over 68 year-old Tiberius and for whatever.
Reason.
He decided this was the year to initiate.
His final strikes, say honest, ordered house arrest for both agrippina and Nero.
Germanicus a year later, both were tried before the Senate on trumped-up charges of treason and homosexuality.
The Senate declared both defendants enemies of the state and banish them from Rome Nero.
Germanicus was sent to live on the island of Ponte a while agrippina made for the island of Pandit area.
When agrippina arrived, she received a whipping from a guard.
And in the process went blind in one eye.
For say honest, the plan to remove germanicus has family was going perfectly.
Only two people stood in His way Caligula's other brother drusus germanicus and Caligula himself.
But just as say on has plotted his move against Caligula, Emperor Tiberius made a shocking and unexpected announcement.
Eighteen-year-old, Caligula was now going to live with him on the island of Capri.
Many saw the move as the sign that Tiberius was sparing Caligula's life in reality, it turned out to Be much worse.
Caligula was now, Emperor.
Tiberius has prisoner coming up, Caligula lives, as Tiberius has prisoner on Capri.
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Now back to the story when Caligula's father died in nineteen Cee, it allowed the family's enemies to swoop in and eliminate them the lead.
Architect for this, purge was the commander of the praetorian Guard.
Say honest for a decade Sionis.
Worked on acquiring power while eliminating Caligula's brothers and mother but before say honest could take out Caligula, Emperor Tiberius.
He wanted the 18 year old to live with him on the island of Capri.
The move occurred in 30 Cee, and by all accounts, including those written by Caligula's harshest critics the young man's six years on Capri, were tantamount to Hell Tiberius forced Caligula to either, watch or perform.
Some of the more depraved acts.
We discussed last week, including sexual activities with young girls and boys.
He watched the torture of boys and their forced participation in gladiatorial games.
And of course he witnessed Tiberius has Infamous pool Gatherings.
It's also likely that Tiberius sexually.
Abused Caligula.
Not surprisingly Caligula hated Tiberius, he detested.
The Insidious acts of torture and sexual abuse committed by the Aging Emperor.
However, Caligula knew that if he voiced such displeasure, he would likely be exiled or Worse killed.
So Caligula began acting and feigned.
Approval of Tiberius is nefarious actions in return.
Tiberius gleefully.
Believe that he Is grooming a monster to be his are allegedly tiberias.
Once proudly said, I'm nursing a Viper for the Roman people.
Tiberius couldn't have been more right while Tiberius was having fun on Capri and ignoring his duty to govern sianis was looking to.
Finally solidify his power in Rome, roughly 160 miles.
Northwest first say honest convinced Tiberius to take Out Caligula's final brother.
Drusus a short time later drusus germanicus was accused of plotting against Tiberius and thrown into prison.
Next say on has sent a guard to Caligula's other brother Nero.
Germanicus en pantalla, The Story Goes that the guards simply showed Nero a noose refusing.
The Noose would have likely resulted in a painful death, so Nero hung himself, Soon news of the death reached Caligula on Capri, but instead of publicly morning Narrows loss, Caligula kept his tears to himself, he knew that say, honest would be looking for any excuse to question his loyalty to die, be rias and have him killed too, but fortunately Caligula's, grandmother also realized what's a honest was doing and decided to step in to save her family.
In the spring of 31, C Caligula's, grandmother Antonia sent Emperor, Tiberius a letter.
Claiming that Sionis was making moves against him Tiberius.
Trusted Antonia immensely.
If she sent the letter, then the accusations must be true.
Despite the fact that this was an almost unbelievable betrayal after years of what he thought was collaboration and friendship say honest.
Did took go.
In October Tiberius secretly appointed 52 Year.
Old Navy has scored as macro as the new prefect of the praetorian guard and almost immediately used him to take out say on us on October 1831.
Cee macro went to the Senate and delivered a letter from tiberias to be read aloud.
It began with a few kind words, praising say honest, but then the message suddenly turned into a Hit piece and it ended with a call for sianis has immediate arrest after an intense debate.
The Senators finally agreed to follow Tiberius has orders.
Say Yanez was Shackled In thrown into prison that very evening.
Lucius.
Alias say honest was strangled to death His 10 years of plotting and machinations were all for naught.
It is hard not to imagine that Caligula was relieved to hear that.
Say on us the man who was the architect of his family's ruin was dead.
However it didn't mean that Caligula was safe.
Just yet.
Emperor Tiberius did still consider Caligula's remaining brother drusus germanicus a threat in 33c Tiberius order.
The imprisoned drusus to starve.
Allegedly drusus ate the hay from his mattress out of desperation.
When word of drusus ultimate starvation, reached agrippina, the Elder she was distraught two of her sons were dead and her third was the emperor's plaything, some time in 33.
See it all became too much, agrippina died by Suicide.
Allegedly Caligula was as stoic about both these deaths as he had been about his first Brothers.
The ancient historians have used that lack of emotion as evidence.
That Caligula was always a wicked, man.
However, the real reason was likely that Caligula knew how to survive, say honest was out of the picture and his Vendetta against Caligula's family with him, but after spending three years on Tiberius is Island.
Gila was all too aware of Tiberius has own brutality.
If Caligula showed too much emotion over the deaths of condemned Traders, it could mean his own demise.
So, for the next few years, Caligula did all he could to stay out of trouble.
He distracted himself by studying oratory debate and Greek philosophy and he even made a friend, the new praetorian guard, prefect, Macro for a Roman Emperor to Seed, he needed the backing of the praetorian Guard colliculus suddenly had the support of one of the most important and powerful men in the Empire.
Unfortunately, the Aging Emperor Tiberius was still refusing to decide on his are in the years since coming to Capri Caligula seem like the odds-on favorite, but by the end of 36C Tiberius was beginning to have second thoughts.
The only other real option though was Tiberius is grandson gemellus.
And after his father's death, Jim Ellis had also been living on capri with Tiberius being groomed as a possible are, however, Tiberius question.
Whether or not gemellus was actually his blood, he was concerned.
That the boy was the result of an affair between his mother and say, honest four months Tiberius, couldn't decide what to do.
Do it consulted with macro, who suggested Caligula, But ultimately, as he often had before, Tiberius found a way to avoid the decision entirely, by leaving it up to the Gods.
So one morning in March, 37c Tiberius summoned, Caligula and gemellus to his Chambers who ever walked through the door.
First would be Emperor, but gemellus didn't know that and decided to eat breakfast first.
So when the door opened Caligula appeared apparently much to Tiberius is dismay according to one ancient historian deep down, Tiberius hoped that Gods chose gemellus the decision to eat breakfast, cost gemellus the throne and would subject the Empire to the tumultuous reign of Caligula sooner than most Romans expected not long.
After naming Caligula, His official are Tiberius injured himself while throwing a javelin following the injury.
He took to his bed where he succumbed to an unknown illness.
Some say the illness was, the result of his Javelin injury or some other natural illness that happened to strike him at the time.
But because this was Rome, there were rumors of a more Insidious nature.
Some ancient historians claimed that Caligula poisoned starved or smother Tiberius perhaps.
As revenge for the six years of Horrors, he lived through on Capri Caligula himself, boasted years later, that he nearly sank a day, GE into a sleeping Tiberius.
The only reason he stopped was that he suddenly felt pity for him.
Another version of the story claims that it was actually macro the praetorian guard.
Prefect, who murdered Tiberius.
But whatever the cause on March 16, 37c the 77 year-old Emperor Tiberius died.
Two days later.
The Romans Senate declared 24 year old Gaius colleague.
Gila Julius Caesar germanicus, the new emperor and on March 28 Emperor.
Caligula entered Rome for the first time in, at least six years, many within the Roman aristocracy saw Caligula's Ascension as wrongs rebirth, a chance to erase Tiberius is deplorable.
Rain, the sun of germanicus would surely lead, the Empire to prosperity in less than a year.
They would come to realize how very Be wrong.
They were Coming up Caligula's benevolent.
Rain is abruptly, cut short.
Now back to the story.
In March, 37c Emperor, Tiberius died.
A few days.
Later is are 24.
Year old Gaius Julius Caesar germanicus known as Caligula was, officially declared Emperor upon arriving in Rome.
The young Caligula inherited an Empire that stretched from And Belgium to Syria and Egypt.
He was Rome's, youngest leader.
And after the final ineffective years of Tiberius is leadership, he represented A New Hope according to one official inscription in the Roman Turkish town of a sauce since the coronation of Gaius Caesar germanicus Augustus Caligula which all mankind had hoped for the world has found.
No measure for its Joy.
The happiest age of mankind has arrived Caligula for his part appeared.
Ready to honor the praise heaped upon him for six years.
He had been a prisoner on Capri.
Doing all he could to survive Tiberius is abuse fully aware of the previous Emperor's.
Impressive reputation Caligula have little desire to replicate.
Tiberius is rain with that in mind.
Caligula immediately got to work first.
He officially adopted gemellus.
His grandson.
This made gemellus next in line for the throne.
It also helped Caligula Curry favor with the Senate by showing that unlike Tiberius he wasn't paranoid of being usurped.
Next Caligula, pardoned and freed all political prisoners, who had been locked up under Tiberius historian.
Stephen dando Collins, argues that Caligula, did this to justify releasing his friend Herod Agrippa who had been charged with treason by the Paranoid Tiberius ad Caligula.
Only released Agrippa Caligula, would have likely received criticism of favoritism by releasing all political prisoners.
However, the new emperor could free his friend and protect his burgeoning reputation as Emperor to finish off the successful scheme.
Caligula also gave Agrippa sections of Syria and the title of King within a few years.
Agrippa would rule over all of Judea.
As King, Herod Agrippa.
The first in these early days, Caligula also, formed his Council of advisors.
His most important was macro, the praetorian guard.
Prefect who'd been a friend and Ally to Caligula while Tiberius was still alive under macros advice, Caligula began, a series of reforms to undo the Draconian laws of his predecessor.
For starters, Caligula opted to share power with the Senate, Allah was still the sole ruler of Rome.
However, as historian Alloys venturing writes, he paid strict attention to the proper forms of communication between the emperor and The Aristocrats in the Senate, which had traditionally symbolized their equality instead of dictating and making decrees on his own Caligula, generally seem to have discussed his ideas with the senators in doing.
So Caligula boosted, his Public Image many believed that it was a sign.
Rome was returning to the days of Augustus.
Although According to some of the ancient historians, the man who really pulled the strings in those early days was macro allegedly, macro conferred with the Senators about rulings, before Caligula proposed them and Deals were already in place.
By the time, the emperor brought them to the table but in those early months it didn't matter who was actually in charge because life in Rome was Living under Caligula Books, banned under Tiberius and even Augustus, where, suddenly allowed to be published, again, the tax system was reformed which included the elimination of the sales tax.
And most importantly, Caligula brought back the legislative body for commoners under the new emperor electoral procedures became Democratic once more.
But perhaps to of Caligula's favorite early initiatives were Public Works programs, And sporting events Tiberius had been a Frugal leader at his death.
The treasury was estimated to have contained between two point, three and three point three billion sisters unfortunately it is difficult to determine exactly how much that would equal today but what we can say is it was a lot of money and Caligula wasn't going to let that go to waste.
He ordered the restoration of various temples around the empire Including the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse and a 500 year old Palace on the island of Samos.
He also ordered the construction of new Aqueduct highways and amphitheaters Caligula.
Had always appreciated the Arts, he loved to dance and he enjoyed watching plays.
It was only natural that he demanded.
That great amphitheaters be built to honor that interest but more than anything Caligula loved Chariot racing and the Tutorial games before the construction of the Colosseum.
The circus Maximus was the stadium in Rome and Caligula made any excuse to have the circus opened for sporting events for his 25th birthday.
Caligula declared a two-day celebration of games mixed in between massive chariot races.
Caligula also, brought back the wild beasts hunt by the time, the games ended.
Nearly 800 animals were brought into the The amphitheater and slaughtered for Caligula's amusement and the people's to yes Caligula was beloved by all thanks to him.
Rome was on the verge of a new age of prosperity.
Of course, this is dictators and dictators Demands a dark turn for Caligula.
It comes in October, 37.
Cee.
Roughly six months into his Reign when he was struck.
With an illness that nearly killed him.
Some say that an influenza-like pandemic had swept through the Empire and Caligula became infected, others claimed, he was poisoned regardless of the, cause once Caligula recovered from the sickness, he was a changed man and not for the better Roman historian.
Suetonius simply described Caligula as suffering from brain sickness.
However, Many modern medical experts.
Believe that Caligula suffered from either, temporal lobe, epilepsy hyperthyroidism, Wilson's disease, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder manic depression.
The ancient historians like to claimed that Caligula was always a deviant psychopath, perhaps he was and he was able to mask it for 25 years, but if he did manage to hide it for over two decades after October 37c.
The Mask abruptly came off.
Once he recovered Caligula became convinced that gemellus his adoptive son and Heir had prayed for his death in order to take the throne.
So Caligula ordered gemellus to take his own life, not knowing how to fall on his own sword.
Gemellus needed a praetorian guard to demonstrate after gemellus, awkwardly killed himself, the And cut off his head.
According to historian, Stephen dando Collins.
The death of Jim Ellis was just the beginning about a month later Caligula, ordered his favorite sister, Drusilla to divorce her husband and marry his friend Marcus, Lapidus forcing people to divorce.
And then remarry quickly became a favorite hobby of Caligula's.
Not long.
After the episode with his sister Caligula repeated, the pattern with his uncle around this time.
Gila attended a wedding celebration and suddenly became enamored with the bride Livia or Ste Leah.
He jumped on the table Proclaim that Libya was now, his bride took Livia to his bedchamber and had sex with her within days.
Caligula and Livia were married but the marriage lasted only a few weeks.
He divorced Livia accusing her of having an affair with her actual husband and then exiled her Livia's wasn't the only relationship Caligula ruined.
He loved to insert himself into the marital beds of others during dinner parties.
Caligula, would demand married women have sex with him in the room next door, afterward.
Caligula bragged about how much better he was in bed to the husband's and it was all done in the name of humiliation and jest, most people were too stunned to do anything about Caligula's sudden.
Change from a benevolent, Emperor to a petty and malicious one.
However, there was one man who wasn't going to let Caligula.
Run wild and bring the Empire to ruin macro though.
He didn't object to the elimination of gemellus, macro knew that he needed to Reign Caligula in and fast.
The emperor's new barbaric mindset couldn't cross over into governing the Empire.
Unfortunately, for macro it was already, Too late Caligula.
Wanted to get rid of the prefect of Egypt, a man who was friends with Tiberius and may have been involved in the say, honest conspiracies against Caligula's mother macro urged Caligula, not to act out of passion.
This, of course, didn't please Caligula.
He decided that macro was too controlling and therefore, he was an obstacle that needed to be removed.
So Caligula offered macro.
Position of prefect of Egypt to macro it likely looked like Caligula was trying to kill two birds with one stone.
Get his controlling advisor out of Rome and demote, the current prefect, whom he already was gunning after, but it wasn't a bad deal.
So, macro accepted in March 38c, he and his wife were scheduled to sail to Egypt but while it Port macro was inexplicably.
Stood and thrown into prison the position in Egypt.
It seemed had been a ruse, a way to get macro to lower his guard.
Clearly Caligula, wanted to get rid of macro in a more permanent way, which macro new Caligula would falsely charged him with treason and either banished him or have him executed.
So instead of allowing the emperor to decide his fate macro took matters, Into his own hands and died by Suicide Days.
Later macros wife, followed her husband's lead soon.
After that Caligula, ordered the execution of macros children and family.
The elimination of macro was as much a turning point in Caligula's life, as surviving his illness with macro gone, no one else, even attempted to control Caligula and how could they After all Caligula was a god at least that's what he started.
Telling everyone and no mortal could hold a god down and soon, the god Caligula had his sights to the West.
He was going to do what?
No other Roman leader could ever accomplish conquer Britannia.
Thanks for listening to dictators next week.
We'll explore some of Caligula's more outrageous exploits including constructing a three-mile long Floating Bridge, his campaign to Britain, and the conspiracy that brought his Reign to a bloody and you can find all episodes of dictators and all other originals from par cast for free on Spotify.
We'll see you next time.
Dictators was created by Max Cutler and is a park as Studios original, it is executive produced by Max Cutler sound design by Mike Ramos with production, assistants by Ron Shapiro, Carly Madden and Travis Clark.
This episode of dictators was written by Joe Guerra with writing assistance, by Kate Gallagher and stars.
Kate Leonard and Richard Rosner.
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Podcast Summary
Key Points:
Emperor Tiberius avoided choosing a successor until his deathbed, ultimately leaving it to chance, which resulted in Caligula being named heir.
Caligula's early life was marked by his father Germanicus's fame, family political persecution, and six traumatic years as Tiberius's prisoner on Capri, where he witnessed and endured abuse.
After surviving plots by Praetorian Prefect Sejanus and the deaths of his family, Caligula secured power with the support of the new prefect, Macro, and succeeded Tiberius in 37 CE.
Historical accounts portray Caligula as a cruel and insane tyrant, though some modern historians suggest these reports may be exaggerated propaganda.
Summary:
In early 37 CE, the aging Emperor Tiberius finally selected a successor by letting chance decide: whoever entered his chamber first would be heir. Caligula arrived before Tiberius's grandson Gemellus, securing the throne. Caligula's early life was shaped by his father Germanicus's military fame and subsequent family persecution.
After Germanicus's suspicious death, Caligula's mother and brothers were systematically eliminated by Tiberius's prefect, Sejanus. At age 18, Caligula was taken to Capri as Tiberius's virtual prisoner for six years, enduring and witnessing extreme depravity and abuse, which he survived through feigned compliance. Following Sejanus's execution, Caligula gained the crucial support of the new Praetorian Prefect, Macro.
Tiberius's death soon after Caligula's designation led to rumors that Caligula murdered him. Caligula's subsequent reign became infamous for cruelty and madness, though some historians argue ancient accounts are exaggerated, potentially due to propaganda contrasting him with his heroic father.
FAQs
It is a Spotify original from Parcast that explores the lives and reigns of historical dictators, focusing on figures like Caligula and their impact on history.
Tiberius left the choice to the gods by declaring that whoever entered his chamber first would be his heir; Caligula arrived before his rival, Gemellus, and was named successor.
He grew up among Roman soldiers, earned the nickname 'Caligula' (tiny boots), witnessed his father Germanicus's triumph in Rome, and later endured imprisonment and abuse under Tiberius on Capri.
His mother Agrippina and brothers were targeted by Tiberius's advisor Sejanus, leading to exile, imprisonment, and deaths, with Caligula himself becoming a prisoner on Capri to survive.
While ancient sources depict him as cruel and insane, modern historians suggest some accounts were exaggerated propaganda, possibly due to his failure to live up to his father's legacy.
Sejanus, as prefect of the Praetorian Guard, orchestrated the persecution of Caligula's family to eliminate rivals, but was eventually arrested and executed after Tiberius learned of his betrayal.
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