Bad Emperors
The Nasty Rulers
Caligula-Julius Caesar's Great-Great Grandson.
Why He Might Be So Cruel
Caligula, or more formally known as Gaius Caesar, was born to Agrippina the Elder and Germanicus on August 31, in 12 A.D. His grandfather, Augustus, or Octavian, died when Caligula was still at a young age. Augustus appointed his stepson, Tiberius, as his successor. Before Augustus died, he compelled Tiberius to adopt Germanicus as his own son to appease the public, knowing that they would not be happy with his decision.After Augustus died on August 19, 14, A.D, Tiberius seized power. Sensing Germanicus as a threat, he sent him to Rome's eastern provinces on a diplomatic mission, he soon fell ill and died. Agrippina the Elder found out and accused Tiberius of killing his rival, her husband. He had her sent to an island, where she starved to death. Caligula's two eldest brother's were also imprisoned, one killed himself while the other suffered the same fate as his mother.
Caligula, or Little Boot, was spared due to his young age. He was sent to live with his great-grandmother Livia, Augustus's wife. It is assumed that during his stay there, when he was but a teenager, he had committed incest with his sister, Drusilla. In the year 31, he was summoned to the island of Capri by TIberius. He was angry and hated Tiberius for past events, but buried his hatred with sinful things. He observed executions and tortures with fascination. Even the cruel Tiberius said, "I am nursing a viper for the Roman people."
His Reign
On the 37th of March, Tiberius fell ill. A month later and he died, people were skeptical that perhaps Caligula smothered him. Though, this hardly mattered to the Roman people, who were ecstatic that the cruel emperor was dead. They believed that the 24-year old Caligula would rule like his late father, Augustus.
In the beginning of his rule, he had met the public's expectations. He freed those who had been imprisoned unjustly by Tiberius and eliminated unpopular tax. He was one of the chariot races, boxing matches, plays, and gladiator shows. When Caligula fell ill, six months into his rule, he hovered between life and death. But when he returned to a better state, he wasn't the same Little Boot from before.
He roamed the palace walls at night, tortured with severe headaches. He traded in the traditional toga outfit for silken gowns and began his descent as a woman. He forced parents to watch the executions of their sons, not even marriage nor the birth of a daughter changed him. It was when he declared himself a living god and built a bridge between him and the Temple of Jupiter, that the public grew even more tired.
Rome began to loathe their emperor, scheming a plan. On January 21, 41 A.D., Caligula was attacked by a group of guardsmen. During the attack, he was stabbed 30 times and was buried in a shallow grave. His wife and daughter were also murdered during the attack.
He was a bad emperor.
Tiberius
Tiberius was the step-son of Germanicus, making him Augustus's step-grandson. He was the son of Livia, Augustus's wife. Tiberius was born November 16, 42
Reign
He was a tactical military leader and civic leader, but he was dour and unpopular. He was also known for sexual perversion, treason trials, and shirking his responsibilities. He tried hard, however, to keep the peace in Rome. He was likable at first due to implementing a fair tax system, where he cut down on taxes and helped refrain from luxury spending. Many thought he would expand the empire due to his large military experience, but he did not.
Tiberius was a bad emperor.
His Death
Tiberius fell ill and word had spread that he died, but then he recovered. But, Caligula, hearing this news, smothered him.
Nero
He was a welcome change at first, restoring power to the senate and acting kind to the public. But it was all a plan, for he wanted to sing (he had a terrible voice) and play his lyre. He wouldn't allow anyone to leave, not even pregnant women. Many died due to this. The Great Fire was another LARGE misfortune; for six days. Ten of the sixteen city districts were burned, destroyed. Hundreds died and thousands were left homeless as looters ravaged the city.
Bad Emperor.