This co-hosted history podcast delves into the life and reign of Roman Emperor Caligula, examining the historical accuracy of his notoriously negative reputation. The hosts discuss Suetonius's biography as the primary source, analyzing its narrative structure and biases, alongside other fragmented accounts. They explore Caligula's lineage, his early life, and his political maneuvering to consolidate power, particularly his relationship with the Praetorian Guard and the Senate. The discussion highlights Caligula's populist strategies, his calculated cruelty towards the elite, and the ambiguity surrounding accusations of madness, ultimately concluding that his actions were driven by political strategy and a penchant for cruelty, rather than solely mental instability. One specific example discussed is the widely known, yet likely exaggerated, story of Caligula making his horse a consul, which is interpreted as a satirical act to undermine the Senate.
