Caligula: (Little Boots) The Mad Emperor

Throughout his short reign, Caligula had been the victim of numerous plots and conspiracies, some more imagined than others. The young man, the son of Germanicus, who had been hailed as the Saviour of Rome, was now the most detested tyrant in its history. He was feared by everyone and no one could sleep soundly in their beds as long as he remained Emperor. It was only a matter of time until one of the plots succeeded.

On the morning of 24 January, 41 AD, Caligula was attending a series of games organised in celebration of the Divine Augustus. During a lull in proceedings he was persuaded to review a troupe of young male dancers. Caligula needed little persuasion to look upon semi-naked young boys. He never went anywhere, however, without his personal guard. As he entered the corridor beneath the arena the doors were closed swiftly behind him, temporarily separating him from his guards. As he turned to find out what was happening, Cassius Chaerea stepped forward and thrust a sword deep into his chest, others then emerged from the shadows, intimidated Senators, humiliated Nobles, and cuckolded husbands, who went on to stab him a further 30 times. His screams echoed through the arena, and despite his guards breaking down the doors and rushing to his aid, it was too late. Caligula was dead, he had reigned less than 4 years.

Caligula’s German guards reacted to the murder of their beloved Emperor (he had always been careful to ensure that his guards were well treated) by slaughtering anyone who crossed their path whether they were involved in the conspiracy or not.On hearing of the news the ordinary people of Rome, with whom Caligula was still popular, demanded justice. The conspirators responded by deciding to eliminate the rest of the Royal Family. Caesonia, Caligula’s wife, was raped and then stabbed to death. His baby daughter, Julia Drusilla, was taken and had her head smashed against the wall. The conspirators, however, failed to capture Caligula’s uncle Claudius, who had earlier been spirited away to safety by Caligula’s German guards, who declared him Emperor. The conspiracy, which had hoped to re-establish the Republic, collapsed. The people and the frightened political elite rallied to Claudius. Cassius Chaerea and the other assassins were captured and executed. Instead of ending tyranny the assassination of Caligula had ensured its continuation in Rome for the next 400 years.