Abstract This paper explains that, when the youthful Caligula took the title of emperor of Rome, the population of that vast empire felt a new dawn emerging, but something that started out so good ended in tragedy for the young man. The author points out that Caligula had a concept of empire differing markedly from the ideas of Augustus and Tiberius, who had gone to great lengths to avoid displaying themselves as complete autocrats; Caligula did not bother with such pretenses. The paper concludes that Caligula ruled for a very short time compared to the other emperors, but he greatly impacted the Roman Empire and his name will live on in infamy.
From the Paper "Because of his actions, several conspiracies were launched against his life and one did succeed. Marcus Arrecinus Clemens and a colleague were plotting on Caligula's life. Caligula found out and confronted them saying that if they thought he deserved to die then he would kill himself. They never felt safe after this and devised a new plot. This new plot would have never come to being if not for the military tribune Cassius Chaerea. He was often insulted by the emperor's propensity for jokes in bad taste and was teased for being a sexual invert. He also often made obscene gestures with his hand when Chaerea had to kiss the emperors extended hand. This made the tribune laughable among his men so he was ready to claim his part in the fall of Caligula."
Abstract This paper is a critical review of the book, "The Corruption of Power." It looks at the author's thesis that Caligula's corruption was not his own fault, and that ancient historians tainted his reputation, and that his life was never analysed fairly. The paper shows how this thesis was not entirely true, and how eventually, everyone had to acknowledge the deadly evil and violence that came to be associated with Caligula's rule.
From the Paper "Caligula also did hideous and crazy things to mostly innocent, household people. "Many men of decent family were branded at his command, and sent down the mines, or put to work on the roads, or thrown to the wild beasts" (Suetonius, 167). One of the worst things that Caligula ever did, and his favorite, was "inflict numerous small wounds; and his familiar order. Make him feel that he is dying!" soon became proverbial(Suetonius, 169). Actions such as these led to numerous conspiracies against Caligula."
Abstract A critical discussion on "Caligula - The Corruption of Power" written by Anthony Barrett in his attempt to show that this Roman leader was not the bloodthirsty, evil person that is depicted in many historical works. The paper takes the works of ancient historian Suetonius as an example of bias towards Caligula by depicting him as a monster, and illustrates how Barrett contradicts these claims in his book.
From the Paper Barrett's bias is to rehabilitate the image of Caligula. This is a huge conflict throughout the entire book, where Barrett only uses certain passages and ideas from Suetonius' book, but contradicts other parts of it. This is shown consistently with the image of Caligula. Suetonius shows how bad of an emperor Caligula was and how he had what was coming to him. As Barrett points out, there is no archaeological evidence to back up certain parts of what Suetonius says, accusing hearsay.
Abstract This paper is a historical film review on the controversial movie "Caligula" based on the life of Gaius Caesar. It reviews the movie for content and historical accuracy and context. The author examines the early popularity of the Roman emperor, as well as his life as a sexual deviant and sadist, and his fall from grace. The paper also discusses the controversy surrounding the film's production.
From the Paper "Gaius Caesar, 12 AD to 41 AD, the fourth Caesar, was Roman Emperor from 37 A.D to 41 A.D. He was the great-nephew- adopted grandson- of Tiberius and the son of the Roman General Germanicus, Encarta. He earned the nickname Caligula as a very young child traveling with his parents. He was said to wear a miniature military uniform and became a sort of mascot for the Roman army, Grant, as mentioned in the early scenes of the movie, Caligula, about his reign as Emperor. The movie, produced by Penthouse Films, was a very graphic and sexually explicit look at Gaius? rise to power and eminent fall. Although the entire film was full of gratuitous nudity and violence, it was actually a very informative and historically accurate portrayal, if not cinematically or artistically valuable."
Tags: caesar, deviance, emporers, film, history, movie, roman, gaius
Abstract Examines the Guard's power as the only military force in the Capital city. Issues of loyalty & disloyalty to various Emperors. Evolution of the Guard under the Julio-Claudian Emperors up to the death of Nero. Problems presented by armies, citizen militias. History of the Roman Army. Organization & mission of the Guard. Emperors Agustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero.
From the Paper "Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
The Praetorian Guard under the Julio-Claudians
The Praetorian Guard, the personal guard force of the Roman emperors, has become a byword for the ability of a bodyguard to control, and ultimately to elevate or depose, the person whom it is supposed to guard. By the nature of its situation throughout the early and middle eras of the empire -- as the only military force in near the capital of an empire most of whose armies were dispersed among the frontiers -- it had the potential to control its imperial masters. Against a conspiracy or riot an Emperor could call upon the Praetorian Guard, but if the Guard itself..."
Abstract This paper addresses the argument of whether Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus was a success or a failure as an emperor. It analyses his unfortunate childhood as well as his reign and attempts to explain the reasoning behind his actions as emperor. It concludes that he was in fact an intelligent and successful Roman Emperor.
From the Paper "The idea that the power of Rome lies in her Army, has been proven time and time again by figures such as Marius and Sulla. Claudius likewise was no stranger to this fact and, as a result, many of his first actions as Emperor were to secure the loyalty of the army and to establish some much needed military-credentials. Hennessy (1990) explains that following Claudius' rise to power with the support of the Praetorian Guard, he promised each guard 150 gold pieces with the intention of buying their allegiance and hence his protection. Claudius then went to plan and execute a campaign to, as Fagan (2004) argued, secure both military distinction and the respect of the Army. This, of course, came in the form of the famous invasion and annexation of Britain. To keep this strong military image throughout his reign, he added to the Roman Empire: Mauritania, Thrace and Lycia (BBC 2004). By the end of his reign, Claudius had been hailed Imperator twenty-seven times and had won a triumph (Fagan, 2004)."
