The Failure Of Caligula's Rule In Rome

Caligula, though having only ruled for four years, is likely one of the most infamous figures in Roman history. However, it would be unfair not to mention the good alongside the bad. If we take a look at the earlier part of of his rule in comparison with the latter portion, we can see that there was an extreme deterioration in the quality of his rule, for he was once an emperor who was more than just towards his people, and was enthusiastically welcomed by the Senate. At the start of his rule, he was quick to launch sweeping reforms, such as publishing public expenses and allowing new members into the Roman equestrian orders (penelope.uchicago.edu). However, later in his rule, he began to execute people left and right for alleged treason and

Historical accounts hold that his lavish excesses bankrupted Rome, and he resorted to levying harsh taxes against the people. A famine also took place, for grain could not be imported as cargo ships were impounded to be used in the construction of the Caligula’s pontoon bridge (archive.org). On top of the famine, Caligula’s relationship with the Senate was extremely turbulent. He humiliated and mocked the Senate at any possible opportunity, so much as to making his own horse consul (bbc.com). Though Caligula was less than skilled dealing with politics, he however was able to contribute new territory to Rome. During his rule, he was able to annex Mauritania, a Roman puppet state, after executing their king during a visit to Rome (perseus.tufts.edu). Later in his rule, he also led a conquest into Britannia, though this was ultimately aborted (penelope.uchicago.edu). Nevertheless, he returned to Rome with his troops claiming victory, and paved the way for its eventual conquest (Hurley 41). In the east, Caligula had an extremely antagonistic and distrusting relationship with the Jews. Believing that the Jews were not honoring him, he had figures made in his likeness placed inside synagogues, and riots ensued

Caligula led a hedonistic life characterized by overspending and bizarre perversions, such as incest with his three sisters, or the seemingly endless flow of prostitutes through his court (Grant 114). Caligula was also plagued with sleep issues, and had a quick temper. His insomnia drove him to lonely dances in the dark, and once ordered senators to dance with him in the dead of night (Grant 116). During the day, he was quick to swear people away with his sharp tongue, earning him the disdain of senators and his subjects (Grant 112). During his rule, Caligula was enjoyed to present himself as a living god, often erecting statues of himself and his sisters throughout the empire, perhaps as a form of mockery towards the now powerless Senate (Burton 90). Needless to say, he was not in any way a sane