Caligula (Latin: Gaius Iulius Caesar Germanicus, Gaius Caesar or Caligula)

was the third Roman emperor. He was also known as Gaius Julius Caesar
Germanicus.
He was born in 12 AD. He ruled the Roman Empire from 37 to 41 AD.
He was known for his extravagance, eccentricity and despotism. Also
known as "mad" because of his uncompromising solutions. Perhaps the
best known is that he tried to appoint his horse Incitatusas consul and a
priest.
He was killed by his body guards. He was succeeded by Claudius.
After the death of Tiberius on March 17, 37 AD. Caligula came to the
throne as a co-ruler of Gemellus, the son of Tiberius but soon after the
death of Gemellus, Caligula became supreme ruler on the throne. The
great unpopularity that Tiberius enjoyed among the people resulted in a
lot of support and respect for new and the young emperor. Immediately
after coming to the throne Caligula ended the "treason trials," recalled
those who had been sent into exile , gave huge and long-term bonuses to
the Praetorian Guards and also major construction and restoration
endeavors. He built a lighthouse in Bologna, amphitheater in Pompeii,
began the construction of a number of aqueducts and massively
organized gladiatorial fights, horse races etc.
After this period of flourish and prosperity at a time when Caligula came to
a close encounter with death and probably suffered an epileptic attack, he
completely changed psychologically which had an impact on his state
decisions and actions. All the previously reduced taxes and all reforms
were returned to the level as in the past and some were even increased.
The trials of Tiberius were reactivated and he became a great sadist who
enjoyed watching the prisoners being tortured and the bloody fights of the
gladiators.
In his madness he granted his horse Incitatus a Consular title and built a
bridge two and a half miles long in the bay near Bahia. Although he
annexed Mauritania, he still led wondering, pointless marches across
Germany and on one occasion when he led an expedition to the north,
reportedly for Britain, he forced the troops to gather sea shells. Caligula
also led constant hostility to Jews using the disagreements between the
Jews and the Greeks, so on one occasion, when he realized that the Jews
did not show appropriate respect towards him he threatened to erect a
huge statue in the center of the temple in Jerusalem, where they would
have to worship him, but this was prevented by his advisers who wanted
to avoid greater restlessness and possible riots in Judea.
After only 4 years of rule he had been killed in 41A.D. by a member of the
Praetorian Guard, Cassius Caer, who was a frequent target of attacks and
insults by Caligula.