Adjacent Words

Caligula definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: Roman Emperor who succeeded Tiberius and whose uncontrolled passions resulted in manifest insanity; noted for his cruelty and tyranny; was assassinated (12-41) [syn: Caligula, Gaius, Gaius Caesar]

Merriam Webster's

biographical name A.D. 12-41 Gaius Caesar Roman emperor (37-41)

Britannica Concise

Roman emperor (37-41). Known by his childhood nickname, Caligula ("Little Boots") was declared heir to the throne by Tiberius following the suspicious deaths of Caligula's parents and brothers, and probably connived in Tiberius' death. He suffered a severe illness seven months into his rule and began displaying mental instability, engaging in despotic caprice and cruelty. Restoring treason trials (38), he executed former supporters and extorted money from the citizens. He plundered Gaul in 40 and began planning to invade Britain. He made pretensions to divinity and declared his sister Drusilla a goddess on her death. Weary of his tyranny, a group of conspirators assassinated him.