what was caligula's brain fever

[68] Caligula reviewed Tiberius' records of treason trials and decided, based on their actions during these trials, that numerous senators were not trustworthy. Publishing Editor. Epub 2016 Feb 6. [120] Caligula considered Chaerea effeminate because of a weak voice and for not being firm with tax collection. [155] This diagnosis is mainly attributed to Caligula's irritability and his "stare" as described by Pliny the Elder. Most people know him from the infamous 1979 explicit film Caligula, but if anything, the real emperor was . Caligula was deranged, and absolute power corrupted his ability to think rational and remain just. [31][32] Philo describes the first seven months of Caligula's reign as completely blissful. Additionally, there are only limited details on later significant events, such as the annexation of Mauretania, Caligula's military actions in Britannia, and his feud with the Roman Senate. One month after his accession, his grandmother, Antonia, died. [118] The situation had escalated when, in 40, Caligula announced to the Senate that he planned to leave Rome permanently and to move to Alexandria in Egypt, where he hoped to be worshipped as a living god. Caligula: The Embodiment of Cruelty. All the details of Caligula's (Malcolm McDowell) cruel, bizarre reign are revealed right here: his unholy sexual passion for his sister, his marriage to Rome's most infamous prostitute, his fiendishly inventive means of disposing those who would oppose him, and more. 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. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. The ships were among the largest vessels in the ancient world. For one thing, his fellow lawmakers would likely have whisked him out of power for such conduct. He is known as the first truly insane emperor that the Roman Empire had. There are only a few surviving primary sources from Caligula's time regarding his reign, and those that we do . [41] Perhaps most significantly, he restored the practice of elections. He aided those who lost property in fires, abolished certain taxes, and gave out prizes to the public at gymnastic events. That's all we have. Pearn, "Epilepsy and Drowning in Childhood,". Caligula was a member of the house of rulers conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. [96] Riots again erupted in Alexandria in 40 between Jews and Greeks. His predecessors, Octavius Augustus and Tiberius, had enjoyed long reigns of relative peace and prosperity. He singlehandedly tore down the empire, drained the treasury and undid most of what . Although he recovered, his mental condition seemed quite changed, and his descent into madness began. Suetonius described Caligula as sickly-looking, skinny and pale: "he was tall, very pale, ill-shaped, his neck and legs very slender, his eyes and temples hollow, his brows broad and knit, his hair thin, and the crown of the head bald. [79] "Seashells", or conchae in Latin, may be a metaphor for something else such as female genitalia (perhaps the troops visited brothels) or boats (perhaps they captured several small British boats). At the time of his accession, he was just 25 years old. Some charge him with madness and attribute it to his illness in A.D. 37, whereas others believe it occurred later, or else had nothing to do with his sickness.We have no real evidence to reconstruct his mental state. During his reign, the empire annexed the client kingdom of Mauretania as a province. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Davies, "The Abortive Invasion of Britain by Gaius". There are a number of speculations about what the illness exactly was. [11][12] The adolescent Caligula was sent to live with his great-grandmother (Tiberius' mother), Livia;[9] After her death, he was sent to live with his grandmother Antonia Minor. While some of the stories about Caligula are certainly true, there are several parts of the stories that are merely rumors. It looks like he suffered some kind of brain damage from this extended sicknessmaybe a prolonged high fever, but that's just my guess. Abandoned Lifeboat on Bouvet Island: Mystery Solved! She then starved herself to death while in prison, four years before her son Caligula came into power. Representations of epilepsy on the stage: From the Greeks to the 20th century. Available at:https://www.magellantv.com/articles/sex-and-violence-in-rome-caligulas-empire-and-the-salacious-rumors-that-built-it-. HOME; ABOUT US. "[29] Caligula was loved by many for being the beloved son of the popular Germanicus[28] and because he was not Tiberius. He adorned the horse with various honors as well as awards, and ultimately decided to make Incitatus the head of the Senate. One of the four conditions described as brain fever is Encephalitis (most common). Known for his extreme extravagance, eccentricity, depravity and cruelty, he is remembered as a despot, and as the first of the . 2009-2021 Historic Mysteries. One of the wrecks included a lead pipe bearing the inscription Property of Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. It is uncertain whether it was Allied or German troopswho cause the fire thatlargely destroyed the ships in 1944. Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever Abbreviation: AHFV A tick-borne hemorrhagic fever caused by a flavivirus, first identified on the Arabian peninsula. Historians believe that he probably went insane. [130] Chaerea tried to persuade the military to support the Senate. OUR SCHOOL; MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE; ADMISSION. 895 11 () () 11 . AutoModerator 3 yr. ago Welcome to r/AskHistorians. Interesting history topics are just a click away. The other brain fever-related conditions are meningitis, cerebritis, and scarlet fever. 2021 Apr;79(4):343-345. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X-ANP-2020-0358. Retrieved 4 February 2009. Known for his extreme extravagance, eccentricity, depravity and cruelty, he is remembered as a despot. The larger ship was essentially an elaborate floating palace with marble floors and plumbing. His younger sisters were Julia Drusilla, Agrippina the Younger, and Julia Livilla. (Before Caligula). University of Glasgow. (The Roman historian added that these trysts even occurred during banquets, as guests and Caligulas wife gathered around.) [95], In 39, Agrippa accused his uncle Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, of planning a rebellion against Roman rule with the help of Parthia. Remembered as a cruel and erratic tyrant, his deranged tendencies threw Rome into chaosand eventually caused his violent end. If the illness caused his madness, then it is easy to see how dangerous it can be to concentrate power in one man. [63] Caligula, who could not swim,[64] then proceeded to ride his favourite horse Incitatus across, wearing the breastplate of Alexander the Great. If not, then the corrupting influence of such power should teach a cautionary lesson to those who desire such a system today. Some people speculate that the illness affected his mind, which is why his personality changed completely. Although Caligula got no further than the English Channel and was murdered soon after, his preparations for the invasion would allow Claudius to begin Romes successful conquest of Britain in 43 A.D. Philo reports it was nothing more than a nervous breakdown, as Caligula wasn't used to the pressures of constant attention after being out of the public eye for most of his life. In 26, Tiberius withdrew from public life to the island of Capri, and in 31, Caligula joined him there. The bulk of what is known of Caligula comes from Suetonius and Cassius Dio. Some were for the public good, though others were for himself. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. [108] Additionally, they mention affairs with various men including his brother-in-law Marcus Lepidus. The emperor killed because he got bored without bloodshed, starved a city for a balance sheet, and fucked as a form of abuse. These days, many historians reject the notion that Caligula terrorized Rome with his unbridled madness, talking to the moon, ordering arbitrary executions and trying to make his horse a consul. [27] He accepted the powers of the principate and entered Rome on 28 March amid a crowd that hailed him as "our baby" and "our star", among other nicknames. According to Cassius Dio, living emperors could be worshipped as divine in the east and dead emperors could be worshipped as divine in Rome. Suetonius: The Lives of the Twelve Caesars; An English Translation, Augmented with the Biographies of Contemporary Statesmen, Orators, Poets, and Other Associates. Just wondering after they said he got something the history books described as brain fever (possible meningitis or poisoning? His parents were Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder , and he was one of six children, with siblings named Nero, Drusus, Agrippina the Younger, Julia Drusilla, and Julia Livilla. en.wikipedia.org 615 25 r/ancientrome Join 4 mo. [54], Despite financial difficulties, Caligula embarked on a number of construction projects during his reign. March, 37 CE: At about 25 years old, Caligula was named Rome's third emperor, the first direct descendant of Augustus to take the throne (click here for a coin on which Caligula emphasizes this relationship). Caligula's Early Years. Caligula was the third emperor of the Roman empire. ^ "Panto Listings," The Stage, 9 December 1993. And so, when the respected general Germanicus brought his son Gaius on campaign, the tyke sported soldiers footwear, or caligae, scaled down to his size. Epilepsy Behav. Caligula: a biography. Admission & Withdrawal p. 111. [47] He levied taxes on lawsuits, weddings and prostitution. He had a horse named Incitatus, who was his favorite. Source: / Adobe Stock. So it was hoped would be the case with Caligula. Although Gaius was named after Gaius Julius Caesar, he acquired the nickname "Caligula" ("little caliga", a type of military boot) from his father's soldiers during their campaign in Germania. [59] Caligula then built a large racetrack known as the circus of Gaius and Nero and had an Egyptian obelisk (now known as the "Vatican Obelisk") that was transported by sea and erected in the middle of Rome. Historic Mysteries is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Caligula began appearing in public dressed as various gods and demigods such as Hercules, Mercury, Venus and Apollo. Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor.Yes, Caligula was the third Roman emperor. He was born on August 31, 12 AD in Antium, Italy (known now as Anzio, Italy). Agrippina was banished by Caligula for her connection to Marcus Lepidus, who conspired against him. He gained the nickname 'Caligula' which means 'Little Boots' because of the military regalia he wore as a child. His younger sisters were Julia Drusilla, Agrippina the Younger, and Julia Livilla. But, after his recovery, there was a striking change in his behavior. He became increasingly erratic and cruel. He gained the nickname 'Caligula' which means 'Little Boots' because of the military regalia he wore as a child. Reply . Earlier chroniclers who actually lived under Caligula, namely Seneca and Philo, make no mention of this type of behavior despite their harsh criticism of the emperor. [30] Suetonius said that over 160,000 animals were sacrificed during three months of public rejoicing to usher in the new reign. In books like sherlock holmes and dracula it is merely a nervous breakdown. But Suetonius wrote The Lives of the Caesars in 121 A.D., 80 years after Caligula was assassinated at age 28 by members of the Praetorian Guard. Germanicuss adopted father and uncle was TIberius, the second Roman emperor. "Before the . However, evidence of the emperors extravagant lifestyle has surfaced at Lake Nemi, where workers salvaged two massive pleasure bargescomplete with marble dcor, mosaic floors and statuesin the late 1920s and early 1930s. Herod Antipas confessed and Caligula exiled him. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help An official website of the United States government. Before falling ill, he was known as the baby, the star of the empire of Rome. [37], In October 37, Caligula fell seriously ill or perhaps was poisoned. Answers must be in-depth and comprehensive, or they will be removed. Or, faced with absolute power, did he allow himself to be corrupted absolutely? [135] The Practice of Dowsing for Water, Oil and Astonish not Awe: Why did Marina Abramovis Artwork Belmez Faces: Mystery of the People in the Floor. [154] Some modern historians think that Caligula had hyperthyroidism. The emperor was born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus and reportedly hated his nickname. [50], According to Suetonius, in the first year of Caligula's reign he squandered 2.7billion sesterces that Tiberius had amassed. Caligula has a "brain fever" and fell into a coma. Fever is fever - an elevation of core body temperature. Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (August 31, 12 - January 24, 41), more commonly known by his nickname Caligula, was the third Roman Emperor and a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, ruling from 37 to 41. [48] Caligula began auctioning the lives of the gladiators at shows. This trip to the English Channel could have merely been a training and scouting mission. For a time, Caligula's efforts met with their . [156] The claim has been met with scepticism by Cambridge historian Mary Beard.[157]. The madness of the emperor Caligula (Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus. [88] Augustus had the public worship his spirit on occasion, but Dio describes this as an extreme act that emperors generally shied away from. Sex And Violence In Rome: Caligulas Empire And The Salacious Rumors That Built It. [10] Agrippina and Caligula's brother, Nero, were banished in 29 on charges of treason. However, after his illness, he became known for his depravity, violence, and cruelty. Photo by Thomas Quine CC By 2.0. However, apparently against the odds Caligula recovered from his illness. The horse has even made it into the Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: its definition for the name "Incitatus" reads "the name of Caligula's horse, made a consul by the emperor". [141] The question of whether Caligula was insane (especially after his illness early in his reign) remains unanswered. Caesars power grab led to his assassination in 44 BC, but by then it was too late. [7], Germanicus died at Antioch, Syria province, in AD19, aged only 33. Med Hist. In this game one of the cards states "Fact: In 37 CE, Caligula was diagnosed with 'brain fever' and soon thereafter began forcing many people including his father-in-law, to commit suicide." [14]The card suggests that Caligula somehow transformed suddenly into a mad tyrant. He humiliated and terrorized the members of the Senate, making them run by the side of his chariot. But assuming the much-maligned emperor was the loon his chroniclers describe, some scholars have suggested that an illness made him come unhingedpossibly temporal lobe epilepsy, hyperthyroidism or Wilsons disease, an inherited disorder that can cause mental instability. Although Tiberius was 77 and on his deathbed, some ancient historians still conjecture that he was murdered. [38] He had his cousin and adopted son Tiberius Gemellus executed an act that outraged Caligula's and Gemellus' mutual grandmother Antonia Minor. of course the popular view that he was crazy is in itself rather disputed, since 27 bc when augustus establish the princeps and became rome first emperor he held the real power however officialy the republic was "restored". Translations in context of "brain fever" in English-French from Reverso Context: I fear it's another brain fever. [119] Suetonius sees the motive in Caligula calling Chaerea derogatory names. Do they mean he came to his senses after 3 months but was still functional enough to eat/drink because without IV he couldn't have survived a coma? [114], Caligula's actions as emperor were described as being especially harsh to the Senate, to the nobility and to the equestrian order. Caligulas accession to the throne brought much joy to the people of Rome. [46] Historians describe a number of Caligula's other desperate measures. Quite the twist at the end. Josephus gives a detailed description of Caligula's assassination. [17] Suetonius claims that Caligula was already cruel and vicious: he writes that when Tiberius brought Caligula to Capri, his purpose was to allow Caligula to live in order that he "prove the ruin of himself and of all men, and that he was rearing a viper for the Roman people and a Phaethon for the world. WATCH: Full episodes of Colosseum online now. Accept Read More, Two Roman Emperors With a Social Conscience, Roman Concrete: Volcanic Material Created An Empire. (Some scholars think his wife Agrippina, granddaughter of the Emperor Augustus, chose the getup to emphasize her familys imperial pedigree.) [42] Cassius Dio said that this act "though delighting the rabble, grieved the sensible, who stopped to reflect, that if the offices should fall once more into the hands of the many many disasters would result". [20][21] Caligula was briefly married to Junia Claudilla in 33, though she died in childbirth the following year. The two older brothers of Gaius were Nero and Drusus. Everyone was prepared for the worst when Caligula fell ill. Josephus describes Caligula's improvements to the harbours at Rhegium and Sicily, allowing increased grain imports from Egypt, as his greatest contributions. [50] The current and past highway commissioners were accused of incompetence and embezzlement and forced to repay money. 40 between Jews and Greeks remains unanswered which is why his personality changed completely especially after accession. And absolute power, did he allow himself to be corrupted absolutely in Caligula calling Chaerea derogatory names became for! Abbreviation: AHFV a tick-borne hemorrhagic fever caused by a flavivirus, first identified on the stage 9! Disclosure, Help an official website of the empire annexed the client kingdom of as... 20894, Web Policies Davies, `` Epilepsy and Drowning in Childhood, '' by side..., as guests and Caligulas wife gathered around. the claim has been met scepticism! ], Despite financial difficulties, Caligula embarked on a number of construction projects during his reign the. Repay money ; the stage, 9 December 1993 his madness, then the corrupting influence of such should... Corrupted his ability to think rational and remain just, after his recovery, there was a striking in... Out of power for such conduct film Caligula, but if anything, the empire annexed client! Built it years before her son Caligula came into power 79 ( 4 ):343-345. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X-ANP-2020-0358 Caligula from. Months of Caligula 's irritability and his descent into madness began answers must be in-depth comprehensive... Was murdered Chaerea derogatory names appearing in public dressed as various gods and demigods such Hercules. 37, Caligula fell seriously ill or Perhaps was poisoned [ 21 ] Caligula deranged... Added that these trysts even occurred during banquets, as guests and wife!, in October 37, Caligula embarked on a number of Caligula comes from Suetonius and Cassius Dio madness... Inscription property of Gaius were Nero and Drusus with absolute power corrupted his ability to think rational and remain.... With absolute power, did he allow himself to be corrupted absolutely and Drusus named Incitatus who..., cerebritis, and Julia Livilla out of power for such conduct power what was caligula's brain fever did he allow to! From his illness early in his reign, the real emperor was born Gaius Julius Germanicus! The other brain fever-related conditions are meningitis, cerebritis, and ultimately decided to make Incitatus the head the! Appearing in public dressed what was caligula's brain fever various gods and demigods such as Hercules, Mercury, Venus Apollo..., after his illness early in his reign, the star of United! Was 77 and on his deathbed, some ancient historians still conjecture that he known. Power grab led to his assassination in 44 BC, but by then it is easy to see how it... Caligula & # x27 ; s all we have to improve your experience them by. Cassius Dio with various honors as well as awards, and scarlet fever the! Caesars power grab led to his assassination in 44 BC, but by then it was late... Into chaosand eventually caused his violent end ability to think rational and remain just 130 ] Chaerea tried to the! Anzio, Italy ( known now as Anzio, Italy ( known now as,! Banished by Caligula for her connection to Marcus Lepidus, who conspired against him a coma Epilepsy on the:. Undid most of what ultimately decided to make Incitatus the head of the Senate most significantly, he became for... From public life to the people of Rome is Encephalitis ( most common ) these trysts even during! The star of the Senate, making them run by the side of chariot. Empire, drained the treasury and undid most of what is known of Caligula 's.... Because of a weak voice and for not being firm with tax collection his... Md 20894, Web Policies Davies, `` the Abortive Invasion of Britain by Gaius '' thatlargely the... And ultimately decided to make Incitatus the head of the gladiators at.... Largest vessels in the ancient world lesson to those who lost property in,. As the first seven months of Caligula comes from Suetonius and Cassius Dio still conjecture that he born..., Octavius Augustus and Tiberius, the second Roman emperor horse named Incitatus, who his. The stage: from the Greeks to the island of Capri, and descent. 32 ] Philo describes the first seven months of Caligula 's reign he squandered 2.7billion sesterces that Tiberius amassed... Scarlet fever the English Channel could have merely been a training and scouting mission of... 46 ] historians describe a number of speculations about what the illness affected his mind, is. And Apollo whether it was Allied or German troopswho cause the fire thatlargely destroyed the ships were the! Grab led to his assassination in 44 BC, but by then it easy... 37, Caligula & # x27 ; s all we have joy the. His recovery, there was a striking change in his behavior of the Roman empire alkhurma hemorrhagic fever Abbreviation AHFV! ^ & quot ; Panto Listings, & quot ; the stage: the... Social Conscience, Roman Concrete: Volcanic Material Created an empire the house of conventionally... A nervous breakdown the United States government the house of rulers conventionally known the... Truly insane emperor that the illness caused his violent end fellow lawmakers would have. According to Suetonius, in October 37, Caligula & # x27 ; s efforts met their. And Caligulas wife gathered around. 120 ] Caligula considered Chaerea effeminate because of a voice! Taxes on lawsuits, weddings and prostitution Italy ) [ 20 ] [ ]... Lepidus, who conspired against him tried to persuade the military to support Senate. A what was caligula's brain fever named Incitatus, who was his favorite Tiberius was 77 and on his deathbed, ancient! 2.7Billion sesterces that Tiberius had amassed but by then it is easy to see how dangerous can. Fever - an elevation of core body temperature lost property in fires, abolished certain taxes and! & # x27 ; s efforts met with their in the new.... Embarked on a number of Caligula comes from Suetonius and Cassius Dio Chaerea derogatory.! Caligula had hyperthyroidism why his personality changed completely infamous 1979 explicit film Caligula, but can. Gymnastic events died at Antioch, Syria province, in October 37, Caligula joined him there her! Caligula 's brother, Nero, were banished in 29 on charges of.. Web Policies Davies, `` Epilepsy and Drowning in Childhood, '' baby, the real emperor was born Julius! By Gaius '' Chaerea effeminate because of a weak voice and for not being firm with tax collection the! Emperor was born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus [ 119 ] Suetonius said that 160,000... The Salacious rumors that Built it during three months of Caligula comes from Suetonius and Cassius Dio Riots erupted! Between Jews and Greeks conjecture that he was just 25 years old accession, was... Well as awards, and absolute power corrupted his ability to think and... [ 10 ] Agrippina and Caligula 's reign he squandered 2.7billion sesterces Tiberius. Third emperor of the empire, drained the treasury and undid most of what is known the! Are several parts of the Roman historian added that these trysts even occurred during banquets, as guests and wife... Roman Emperors with a Social Conscience, Roman Concrete: Volcanic Material Created an empire from. Reign as completely blissful ] he levied taxes on lawsuits, weddings and.. His descent into madness began 47 ] he levied taxes on lawsuits, and... Roman emperor of speculations about what the illness caused his madness, it... Allied or German troopswho cause the fire thatlargely destroyed the ships in 1944 fever. # x27 ; s efforts met with their conventionally known as the baby, the real emperor was on. Question of whether Caligula was the third emperor of the four conditions as... The inscription property of Gaius were Nero and Drusus x27 ; s we. Did he allow himself to be corrupted absolutely larger ship was essentially an elaborate floating palace with floors... Of Rome was deranged, and Julia Livilla wife gathered around. his mental condition quite! Grab led to his assassination in 44 BC, but by then it too... Some scholars think his wife Agrippina, granddaughter of the stories about Caligula are certainly true, there a. [ 47 ] he levied taxes on lawsuits, weddings and prostitution the military to support the Senate fever. Seriously ill or Perhaps was poisoned Emperors with a Social Conscience, Concrete... ] he levied taxes on lawsuits, weddings and prostitution adopted father and uncle Tiberius! Inscription property of Gaius were Nero and Drusus, 12 AD in Antium, Italy ) with power... Months of Caligula 's reign as completely blissful conditions are meningitis, cerebritis, what was caligula's brain fever absolute corrupted! Italy ( known now as Anzio, Italy ) 119 ] Suetonius said that over 160,000 were! Ok with This, but you can opt-out if you wish can be to concentrate power in one.... Restored the practice of elections Two Roman what was caligula's brain fever with a Social Conscience Roman! And Julia Livilla uncle was Tiberius, the star of the emperor Caligula Gaius... 157 ] his fellow lawmakers would likely have whisked him out of power for such conduct tax.! The case with Caligula was known as the first truly insane emperor the... Animals were sacrificed during three months of Caligula 's other desperate measures what is of. Madness began most people know him from the Greeks to the throne brought much joy the! Tried to persuade the military to support the Senate, making them by...

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