Bronze As of Emperor Caligula - C.4044Origin: MediterraneanCirca: 37 AD to 41 ADCollection: NumismaticsStyle: RomanMedium: Bronze.Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus was the youngest son of Germanicus and Agrippina Sr. He spent much of his childhood accompanying his father on military campaigns. It is here that he received his nickname, “Caligula,” or “Little Army Boots,” from the soldiers. Although his family underwent much persecution, the young Caligula was spared the same fate of his relatives and was instead named as successor to Emperor Tiberius. As Emperor, Caligula spend large sums of money honoring his deceased family, as much to restore his good name as to please the army, among whom Germanicus was still remembered fondly. A few years into his reign, however, it became clear that Caligula had intentions to reshape the principate into a full-fledged monarchy. Most of the scandalous events conservative historian detailed must be seen in this light. Caligula followed in the footsteps of Hellenistic and Egyptian rulers by posturing himself as a god, much to the horror of the Roman historians. In the end, Caligula would be overcome by those around him who plotted against him and, when threatened, eliminated the Emperor to save their own lives.

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