Politicians

Caligula

Third Roman emperor (AD 12-41) and member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. As a small child Caligula travelled with his father Germanicus's army on the German frontier, and the soldiers gave him the nickname "Little Boot" from the miniature uniform he wore. His first seven months as emperor were lavishly popular — he repealed treason trials, recalled exiles, and reduced taxes. After a serious illness in late AD 37 his rule collapsed into autocracy: rumoured incest with his sister Drusilla, purges of senators, demands for divine worship, and the farcical British expedition during which troops were ordered to collect seashells. He was assassinated in AD 41 by officers of the Praetorian Guard.

View this figure's profile