#gaius julius caesar augustus germanicus

[uncleclaudius]

He was very tall and extremely pale, with an unshapely body, but very thin neck and legs.​ His eyes and temples were hollow, his forehead broad and grim, his hair thin and entirely gone on the top of his head, though his body was hairy. Because of this to look upon him from a higher place as he passed by, or for any reason whatever to mention a goat, was treated as a capital offence. While his face was naturally forbidding and ugly, he purposely made it even more savage, practising all kinds of terrible and fearsome expressions before a mirror.   Suetonius: Life of Caligula

It's probably the empty eye-sockets that do it but I have always felt that this cast bronze portrait captures the spirit of Caligula, the mad emperor as the stories paint him. I wouldn't say he was ugly though, Suetonius.

[star-mannnn]

Not gonna lie, I kinda wished Rick mentioned Caligula deifying his sister in trials of Apollo. Though the only sources (to my knowledge) that mention this are Suetonius and Cassius Dio, which aren’t reliable, it still would have been interesting. I mean trials of Apollo is a fictional series and Rick has used information from Suetonius, so including it wouldn’t have been that serious. I do appreciate Caligula naming his yachts Julia Drusilla, especially saying when his daughter was born, he named her after his sister.

If anyone knows any reliable sources on this, please let me know !!

[doobydoobydoowau]

That feeling when you call your homie 'girlie' as a joke

so he hacks you to pieces in an empty corridor of your mansion

[geekysteven]

I can't believe you'd have an image of the Roman Senate voting on racing animals and not depict the horse senator voting on it

[Image description is a grand painting of the Roman Senate with a cartoon worm, snail, and caterpillar edited in, and also an illustration of a horse with the senators.]

tumblr polls have amplified the human need to vote on things. this place just became the roman senate

[nero-draco]

The Roman

[greatgaiusjuliuscaesar]

ALL HAIL CAESAR! 🏛👑

Greetings, all!

It’s your Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus ( or just emperor Gaius, NOT Caligula, I don't like my nickname).

I’ve finally joined Tumblr! 🔥 From the grand halls of Rome to your screens, I’m here to bring a bit of imperial flair. You can expect some royal gossips, tales from the palace, and so on.

Don’t be shy—comment, share, and let’s get this empire-wide conversation started💬

Long live the Empire! 🏛️👑

[maxiemumdamage]

The single funniest thing I learned when studying the Roman Empire is the fact that in his life and centuries after his death, everyone calls Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus…Caligula.

Like. That’s the nickname his dad’s coworkers gave him when he was a literal toddler. It means “little boots” because again, baby in an army camp. And that may as well have been his actual name for how often people called him it.

It’s like being called “King Slugger” for all time.

[starvoidsailor]

Not me thinking about Neros name.

It is an interesting name though, so I'll do it anyway.

There are a few famous people who were called Nero, most prominently Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, most well know for being a tyrannical leader and setting Rome on fire for a building project. With the name Nero meaning strong or vigorous and later being adapted to mean black in Italian and other European languages in some variations. We all know that, an impressive and historically charged name of a grand and slightly insane roman emperor (like Gaius, there were so many emperors who had Gaius in their name) as the perfect base for Nero tol Scaeva.

His last name, Scaeva, being derived from one of Julius Caesar's most prominent Centurion Marcus Cassius Scaeva who famously wore red. Easy, we got that down as well. Makes sense since red is his color and Gaius Baelsar was named after Julius Caesar.

But what made me wonder was his last name. We know what Nero means, depending on the angle, i.e the language, it either denotes physical stenght or the color black. But what does Scaeva mean, specifically? Even if both names were picked from ancient roman history to fit with the empires theme and somewhat arranged around Gaius correlation to Caesar, let's just wonder for a moment what Scaeva actually means. Just for the fun of it.

If you Google "what does Scaeva mean?" all you'll get are some lovely articles regarding hoverflies since their scientific name of a genus of them is Scaeva, which has nothing to do with Nero, either ours nor the roman emperor. Unfortunately a dead end.

Doing a little deep dive back into my dusty Latin Vocabulary since all roads lead back to Rome, Scaeva is indeed listed there. Well, kind of.

Scaeva was a word used to describe a certain type of gladiator in ancient Rome, just like Bestiarius or Gladiatrix. It specifically was used to refer to gladiators of any type that were left-handed.

It furthermore is also an adjective. Scaevus is the masculine baseform to look at, meaning "left" or "on the left side" but can also translate to mean "clumsy" or "unlucky" or, my personal favorite, "powerfully influenced by luck [Fortuna], for good or bad,". Scaevus is the masculine form, as said, so how is it conjugated to Scaeva? Easy, the singular nominative feminine of Scaevus becomes Scavea. Meaning that Neros lastname is the feminine version of the word, something European languages like German or Spanish and French like to do, with usually a feminine and masculine form of the word.

Now, why did I ramble about this?

Because I got tired at 1am, wondered what his lastname meant, fell down a rabbit hole or two and came back out with refreshed Latin and some headcanons regarding our dearest engineer.

Nero is left-handed but became ambidextrous during the academy for sake of outshining Cid

Nero was an accident and doesn't know his father

His lastname is his mother's

There were probably other things I found on my way I could delve into as well and maybe I will but I'll leave you guys this for now.

[sunshinesmebdy]

The Emperor and the Stars: Decoding Caligula’s Rise and Fall Through Astrology

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Caligula, remains a captivating and controversial figure in history. His reign as Roman emperor was marked by both remarkable achievements and brutal excesses, leading to his assassination in 41 AD. While attributing complex historical events solely to astrological placements would be an oversimplification, exploring Caligula’s birth chart offers fascinating insights into the potential energies that may have shaped his story.

The Seeds of Success: Virgo Sun & Mercury

Caligula’s Sun sign in Virgo indicates a natural aptitude for meticulousness, organization, and service. He was known for his efficiency in administration, implementing reforms in the tax system and public works. The Virgo influence, combined with Mercury (planet of communication) also in Virgo, suggests his sharp intellect and attention to detail. These qualities likely shone during his early reign, as he tackled administrative challenges and established himself as a competent ruler.

However, the Virgoan focus on order and perfectionism could also manifest as excessive criticism and a tendency to micromanage. This could have strained relationships with advisors and officials, leading to frustration and resentment. Additionally, the Virgoan desire for structure and control could have fueled his later attempts to centralize power and exert absolute authority, ultimately contributing to his isolation and paranoia.

Emotional Depths and Attachments: Moon & Venus in Cancer

The Cancerian placements of both the Moon (emotions) and Venus (love, relationships) reveal a strong need for security and emotional connection. Caligula experienced significant childhood trauma, including the exile and death of his parents. The Cancerian Moon suggests an intense sensitivity to these experiences, which could have manifested as a deep longing for security and control in his adult life. He may have surrounded himself with individuals perceived as loyal, but this need for control could have also fostered a climate of suspicion and fear.

These placements also highlight his potential for forming deep attachments, as evident in his close relationship with his sister Drusilla. The loss likely triggered unresolved childhood wounds, potentially fueling his descent into paranoia and cruelty. Additionally, the Cancerian influence on Venus, governing love and relationships, might have manifested in possessive or manipulative behaviors, further isolating him from potential allies and advisors.

The Leo Influence: Mars in Leo

Mars, the planet of action and assertion, resides in Leo in Caligula’s chart. This placement points to ambition, leadership potential, and a desire for recognition. It aligns with his rise to power and initial attempts to be a popular and effective ruler. He may have possessed a natural charisma and used his Leo influence to energize the public during his early reign.

However, the Leo influence, when unchecked, can manifest as an overinflated ego, a need for dominance, and a tendency towards theatricality. As Caligula’s reign progressed, these negative expressions of Leo energy might have come to the forefront. His initial ambition could have morphed into excessive pride and a relentless pursuit of power, leading to increasingly erratic and tyrannical behavior. His desire for recognition could have become a desperate need for constant praise and adulation, ultimately driving him further away from genuine connection and support.

The Downfall: Unbalanced Energies?

While his placements offered potential for both effective leadership and deep emotional connection, an imbalance or negative expression of these energies could have contributed to Caligula’s downfall. The Virgo Sun and Mercury might have become overly critical or micromanaging, while the Cancerian Moon and Venus could have manifested as clinging behavior or emotional manipulation. The Leo Mars, initially fueling ambition, might have morphed into excessive pride, paranoia, and a thirst for power, ultimately leading to his demise.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Influences

It’s crucial to remember that astrology is not deterministic. Caligula’s life was undoubtedly shaped by numerous factors beyond his birth chart, including historical context, personal experiences, and the choices he made. However, exploring his astrological placements offers a potential lens through which we can understand the underlying energies that may have influenced his personality, strengths, and ultimately, his tragic flaws.

[uncleclaudius]

August 31, 12 AD gave us Caligula. Not a good emperor but a fun one.

[blueiscoool]

Roman Coin - Gold Aureus of Caligula C. AD 37-38

Obverse: portrait of Caligula. Reverse : Portrait of Caligula's mother Agrippina. Unlike his predecessors, Caligula lacked military experience. His coinage placed heavy emphasis or his family instead.

Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (31 August 12 – 24 January 41), better known by his nickname Caligula, was the third Roman emperor, ruling from AD 37 until his assassination in AD 41. He was the son of the Roman general Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder, Augustus' granddaughter. Caligula was born into the first ruling family of the Roman Empire, conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Although Gaius was named after Gaius Julius Caesar, he acquired the nickname "Caligula" ('little boot'), the diminutive form of caligae, a military boot, from his father's soldiers during their campaign in Germania. When Germanicus died at Antioch in 19, Agrippina returned with her six children to Rome, where she became entangled in a bitter feud with Tiberius, Germanicus' uncle. The conflict eventually led to the destruction of her family, with Caligula as the sole male survivor. In 26, Tiberius withdrew from public life to the island of Capri, and in 31, Caligula joined him there. Following the former's death in 37, Caligula succeeded him as emperor. There are few surviving sources about the reign of Caligula, though he is described as a noble and moderate emperor during the first six months of his rule. After this, the sources focus upon his cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion, presenting him as an insane tyrant.

While the reliability of these sources is questionable, it is known that during his brief reign, Caligula worked to increase the unconstrained personal power of the emperor, as opposed to countervailing powers within the principate. He directed much of his attention to ambitious construction projects and luxurious dwellings for himself, and he initiated the construction of two aqueducts in Rome: the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus. During his reign, the empire annexed the client kingdom of Mauretania as a province. In early 41, Caligula was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy by officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers. However, the conspirators' attempt to use the opportunity to restore the Roman Republic was thwarted. On the day of the assassination of Caligula, the Praetorians declared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the next emperor. Caligula's death marked the official end of the Julii Caesares in the male line, though the Julio-Claudian dynasty continued to rule until the demise of his nephew, Nero.

[irunevenus]

Caligula (12–41 AD): The Roman Emperor and His Atrocities

Introduction: Caligula, whose birth name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the third emperor of Rome, ruling from 37 to 41 AD. His reign is often remembered as one of the most chaotic, cruel, and extravagant periods in Roman history. Although his rule began with promise, it quickly descended into tyranny, excess, and bizarre behavior. This article explores his rise to power, his cruelties, and the factors that led to his assassination, bringing one of the darkest chapters in Roman history to an end.

Rise to Power

Caligula was born in 12 AD in Antium, modern-day Anzio, Italy, as the son of Germanicus, one of Rome’s most beloved generals, and Agrippina the Elder, granddaughter of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. His nickname "Caligula" means "little boot" in Latin, stemming from the miniature soldier’s boots he wore while accompanying his father on military campaigns as a child.

After the death of Tiberius, his predecessor and adoptive grandfather, in 37 AD, Caligula ascended to the throne with broad public support, as his father, Germanicus, had been a popular hero. In the early months of his reign, he was seen as a generous ruler, restoring civil liberties and releasing political prisoners. However, Caligula's rule would soon spiral into madness, cruelty, and megalomania.

Illness and Transformation

Some historians believe that in the late first year of his reign, Caligula contracted a severe illness that brought him close to death. After his recovery, his personality drastically changed, turning him from a promising leader into a ruthless and mentally unstable tyrant. While the exact nature of the illness remains debated, many speculate that it may have contributed to his growing cruelty and erratic behavior.

Atrocities and Bizarre Behavior

Arbitrary Executions and Tortures: Caligula was notorious for ordering arbitrary executions, often on a whim. He reportedly murdered senators, Roman knights, and even members of his own family with little to no justification. A famous example is the death of Macro, the Praetorian Guard commander who had helped Caligula rise to power. He also delighted in watching public torture and executions, some of which he personally orchestrated. During gladiatorial games, when there weren’t enough prisoners to fight, he supposedly ordered ordinary citizens to be thrown to the beasts.

Declaration of Divinity: One of Caligula’s most infamous eccentricities was his belief that he was a living god. He began referring to himself as a deity and ordered statues of himself to be erected in temples throughout the Empire. Caligula even demanded that the Jews install statues of him in the Temple of Jerusalem, which sparked massive resistance, though it was never fully realized.

Appointing Incitatus, the Horse, as Consul: Among his most bizarre acts was his devotion to his favorite horse, Incitatus. Caligula built a luxurious house for the animal, with marble stables and a special diet of oats mixed with gold flakes. He planned to appoint Incitatus as a consul, the highest office in the Roman Senate, though it is unclear if the appointment was ever formalized. This was seen as a demonstration of his disdain for the Senate and its institutions.

Humiliation of the Senate: Caligula held deep contempt for the Roman Senate and frequently humiliated its members. On several occasions, he forced senators to run alongside his chariot like slaves. He also allegedly hosted orgies in the imperial palace, inviting senators and their wives, forcing them to either participate or watch.

Squandering the Empire’s Resources: Caligula drained the Roman treasury with uncontrolled spending on personal luxuries and extravagant projects. He hosted lavish banquets where the food was covered in gold. Additionally, he initiated the construction of enormous floating bridges and staged naval battles on artificial lakes. One such example was the construction of a temporary bridge of boats across the sea between Baiae and Puteoli, which he crossed on horseback, believing he was performing a divine feat.

Persecution of Noble Families: Caligula viewed anyone who could pose a threat to his power with extreme suspicion. He brutally persecuted noble families, confiscating their properties and executing or exiling members of the Roman elite, often without trial. Among the victims were his own brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Agrippina, both accused of conspiracy.

Sexual Assault and Abuses: Ancient sources also report that Caligula committed sexual abuses, particularly against women from aristocratic families, many of whom he forcibly took as lovers. He is described as having incestuous relationships with his sisters, especially Drusilla, whom he treated as a wife and deified after her death. The incestuous relationship between Caligula and Drusilla is one of the most disturbing aspects of his personal life.

The Assassination of Caligula

Caligula’s reign, marked by a combination of extravagance, cruelty, and madness, created an atmosphere of fear and resentment among both the Senate and the Praetorian Guard, his personal bodyguards. Eventually, a conspiracy was formed to end his rule. In 41 AD, he was ambushed and assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard, led by Cassius Chaerea, an officer whom Caligula had humiliated. He was stabbed to death in a palace corridor, and his wife and daughter were killed shortly after, bringing his dynastic line to a violent end.

Legacy and Historical Interpretations

After his death, the Senate attempted to erase Caligula’s legacy through a process called damnatio memoriae, which involved destroying his statues and removing his name from official records. His successor, Emperor Claudius, tried to stabilize the empire after the chaos of his reign.

The historiography of Caligula is largely shaped by ancient sources like Suetonius, Tacitus, and Cassius Dio, who portray his reign in extremely negative terms. However, some modern historians argue that these sources, mostly written by political opponents or those connected to the elites he persecuted, may be biased. Nevertheless, most agree that Caligula was a leader whose erratic and tyrannical behavior left a deep scar on Rome’s history.

Conclusion

Caligula is remembered as one of the worst and most infamous emperors in Roman history. His atrocities, including arbitrary executions, public humiliations, extravagant eccentricities, and abuse of power, solidified his reputation as a mad tyrant. His short but devastating reign left a legacy of insanity and chaos, and his assassination was a desperate attempt to restore order after a period of profound instability in the Roman Empire.

[tesserariuss]

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus

[nero-draco]

ROMA idols.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 3.18 (before 1930)

37 – Roman Senate annuls Tiberius' will and proclaims Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (aka Caligula = Little Boots) emperor. 1068 – An earthquake in the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula leaves up to 20,000 dead. 1229 – Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, declares himself King of Jerusalem in the Sixth Crusade. 1241 – First Mongol invasion of Poland: Mongols overwhelm Polish armies in Kraków in the Battle of Chmielnik and plunder the city. 1314 – Jacques de Molay, the 23rd and final Grand Master of the Knights Templar, is burned at the stake. 1438 – Albert II of Habsburg becomes King of the Romans. 1571 – Valletta is made the capital city of Malta. 1608 – Susenyos is formally crowned Emperor of Ethiopia. 1644 – The Third Anglo-Powhatan War begins in the Colony of Virginia. 1673 – English lord John Berkeley sold his half of New Jersey to the Quakers 1741 – New York governor George Clarke's complex at Fort George is burned in an arson attack, starting the New York Conspiracy of 1741. 1766 – American Revolution: The British Parliament repeals the Stamp Act. 1793 – The first modern republic in Germany, the Republic of Mainz, is declared by Andreas Joseph Hofmann. 1793 – Flanders Campaign of the French Revolution, Battle of Neerwinden. 1834 – Six farm labourers from Tolpuddle, Dorset, England are sentenced to be transported to Australia for forming a trade union. 1848 – The premiere of Fry's Leonora in Philadelphia is the first known performance of an grand opera by an American composer. 1848 – Revolutions of 1848: A rebellion arose in Milan which in five days of street fighting drove Marshal Radetzky and his Austrian soldiers from the city. 1865 – American Civil War: The Congress of the Confederate States adjourns for the last time. 1871 – Declaration of the Paris Commune; President of the French Republic, Adolphe Thiers, orders the evacuation of Paris. 1874 – The Hawaiian Kingdom signs a treaty with the United States granting exclusive trade rights. 1899 – Phoebe, a satellite of Saturn, becomes the first to be discovered with photographs, taken in August 1898, by William Henry Pickering. 1901 – The Kumasi Mutiny of 1901 begins. 1902 – Macario Sakay issues Presidential Order No. 1 of his Tagalog Republic. 1913 – King George I of Greece is assassinated in the recently liberated city of Thessaloniki. 1915 – World War I: During the Battle of Gallipoli, three battleships are sunk during a failed British and French naval attack on the Dardanelles. 1921 – The second Peace of Riga is signed between Poland and the Soviet Union. 1921 – The Kronstadt rebellion is suppressed by the Red Army. 1921 – Mongolian Revolution of 1921: The Mongolian People's Army defeated local Chinese forces at Altanbulag, Selenge (then known as Maimachen). This battle was seen as the birthday of the People's Army and completed the expulsion of Chinese militants in Mongolia. 1922 – In India, Mohandas Gandhi is sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience, of which he serves only two. 1925 – The Tri-State Tornado hits the Midwestern states of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, killing 695 people.

[kwebtv]

The Caesars - ITV - September 20, 1968 - October 28, 1968

Historical Drama (6 episodes)

Running Time: 60 minutes

Stars:

Roland Culver as Augustus

Eric Flynn as Germanicus

André Morell as Tiberius

Barrie Ingham as Sejanus

Ralph Bates as Caligula

Freddie Jones as Claudius

Sonia Dresdel as Livia

Nicola Pagett as Messalina

Suzan Farmer as Livilla

William Corderoy as Drusus Julius Caesar

Derek Newark as Agrippa Postumus

Caroline Blakiston as Agrippina the Elder

Martin Potter as Nero Julius Caesar

Jonathan Collins as Tiberius Gemellus

Pollyanna Williams as Julia Drusilla

Jenny White as Julia Livilla

Karol Keyes as Agrippina the Younger

Barbara Murray as Milonia Caesonia

Jerome Willis as Naevius Sutorius Macro

Kevin Stoney as Thrasyllus of Mendes

Donald Eccles as Marcus Cocceius Nerva

John Phillips as Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso

John Paul as Cassius Chaerea

Joan Heath as Munatia Plancina

Wanda Ventham as Ennia Thrasylla

Sean Arnold as Marcus Aemlius Lepidus

John Normington as Gaius Julius Callistus

John Woodvine as Publius Vitellius the Younger

Gerald Harper as Lucius Vitellius the Elder

Mark Hawkins as Mnester

Roger Rowland as Quintus Veranius

Charles Lloyd-Pack as Crispus

George Sewell as Ennius