2016-03-18 Fri

Caligula, meaning the “Little soldier’s boot”, was a popular name for Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the Roman Emperor who ruled from 37 to 41 century CE. He was known for his cruelty, extravagance, and sadism which led people to call him the ‘Monster Emperor’.

In March of 37 CE, Tiberius (Caligula’s adoptive father) fell ill and the Roman senate annulled Tiberius’ will and declared the 24-year-old inexperienced Caligula as the sole Emperor denying the child, Gemellus, his claim to the joint reign.

There was much rejoicing at the announcement of a new emperor after the dark later years of his predecessor. Caligula abolished Tiberius' gruesome treason trials, paid generous bequests to the people of Rome and an especially handsome bonus to the Praetorian Guard. He freed citizens who had been unjustly imprisoned by Tiberius and eliminated an unpopular tax. However, six months into his rule, Caligula fell severely ill and his personality changed for the worse.

The coins of Caligula depict the ups and downs of his life and the drastic changes in his personality.