The Assassination of Caligula

In the year 37 AD, the previous Roman emperor, Tiberius died and the new emperor Caligula took over. It was hoped that Caligula would become a great emperor, especially after the disaster which was the reign of Tiberius. In fact, that was precisely what happened in the first few months of Caligula’s rule. He increased the military’s pay, lowered taxes and recalled those who had been exiled. He was the antithesis of the tyrannical and vengeful Tiberius, but that would soon cease when Caligula fell dangerously sick.

After he recovered from his illness, his behaviour changed drastically. Several historians believed that this change was due to a mental condition, while others thought that he was showing his true nature after securing his position. Regardless of the cause, his display of cruelty and sadism was an indisputable truth. The difference was day and night: Caligula dismissed several senators, exiled his sisters, executed people without complete trials and took delight in torture. After 4 years of his rule, many people were fed up with the emperor and began conspiring against him.

On the 24th of January, 41 AD, Caligula attended the Palatine Games to honour the late Roman emperor Augustus. While returning to his palace, Caligula was caught by his conspirators and subsequently stabbed 30 times. The conspirators—among whom were members of the Praetorian Guard, the personal guards of the emperor—went on to assassinate Caligula’s wife and daughter. After the emperor’s death, the senate tried to reestablish the Roman Republic. This ambition of theirs was cut short when the military supported Caligula’s uncle, Claudius, to become emperor.