Caligula

by Sam Wilkinson

Sam Wilkinson provides an accessible introduction to the reign of Caligula, one of the most controversial of all the Roman Emperors. Caligula's policies have often been interpreted to be those of a depraved tyrant. This study provides a reassessment of this controversial reign by scrutinising the ancient literary sources that are so hostile to Caligula, and by examining the reasoning behind the policies he enforced. Key topics discussed * Caligula's early life and accession to power
* Caligula's relationship with the Senate
* how far Caligula's domestic and foreign policies can be judged to be a success
* why Caligula was assassinated in AD 41, only four years after his accession to power.

With a guide to primary and secondary sources, a chronology and a detailed glossary, Caligula is an invaluable study of the reign of this fascinating Emperor.

Hardcover

First published February 12, 2004

Reviews

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read even after reading Winterling's work. The way it approaches the sources kinda slightly differs from Winterling in focus I think, which is interesting because the portrayal of Caligula seems consistent and very intriguing.

[Dreams At Dusk · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a booklet than a book. This contains just over 100 pages and that includes the notes, bibliography and index. What was in my head regarding Caligula was some psychotic despot nut case as depicted so often in film etc. Sam Wilkinson's 'Caligula' published 2005 completely alters the picture.
It has to be said that this work is just a quick introduction. It's an ideal entry level study to Gaius'
very short four year reign. However it packs a mighty punch.
It seems that 'little boots' has had a very bad press over the last two thousand years. The historian of the times, Tacitus, hardly mentions him. Philo of Alexandria and Josephus the Flavian had political propoganda to paint their pictures of the emperor. Seutonius and Cassius Dio wrote their histories from a distance, and were probably based on other first century works written from a very biased perspective. Gaius was clever and able. He dealt with state matters with intelligence. Like any boy racer he wanted both hands on the wheel, and so unlike Augustus, alienated the senatorial class.
Wilkinson completely ignores the scandal mongers and is not interested in what the young man got up to in his private life. He concentrates on the emperors very able domestic and foreign policies as well as his relationship with the senate. It was the latter that ended his short term of office.
Although this is a very fast ride, this book is highly recommended in this series of Lancaster Pamphlets in Ancient History.

[Alaric Longward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this extremely useful for my own studies and book. Wish to thank you for it.