The Eccentric Rulers: Caligula and Elagabalus, Strangest Roman Emperors

Roman history is filled with a variety of emperors, many of whom are remembered for their extraordinary actions that set them apart from others. Among these, Caligula and Elagabalus stand out as the epitome of eccentricity and peculiarity. This article explores the bizarre reigns of these two rulers and how their actions continue to intrigue historians and the general public alike.

Caligula: The Eccentric Ruler (37-41 AD)

Caligula, born Gnaeus Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, reigned from 37-41 AD as one of the most eccentric and bizarre rulers of Rome. His reign was marked by a series of unusual and often cruel behaviors that have cemented his reputation. Let's delve into the key points of his reign and his unique characteristics.

Key Points About Caligula

Extravagance: Caligula was known for his lavish spending and extravagant lifestyle. It is said that he spent vast sums on games and spectacles, often at the expense of the Roman economy.

Unpredictable Behavior: He displayed erratic behavior such as declaring himself a god and insisting that people worship him. His actions were often bizarre and out of the ordinary, leading to suspicion and unrest among the populace.

Cruelty and Violence: Caligula was infamous for his cruel actions, including the execution and torture of perceived enemies. His reign was characterized by brutality and violence, which left a lasting impact on Roman society.

Bizarre Acts: Some accounts suggest that Caligula went so far as to make his horse Incitatus a senator and even planned to make it a consul. This act of eccentricity and disdain for the traditional Roman Senate further fueled his reputation.

While other emperors like Nero and Elagabalus also exhibited strange behaviors, it was Caligula's combination of extravagance, cruelty, and eccentricity that often places him at the top of the list when discussing the strangest Roman emperors.

Elagabalus: The Epitome of Eccentricity (218-222 AD)

Another Roman emperor who stands out for his eccentricity and peculiarity is Emperor Elagabalus. Born in 203 AD as Varius Avitus Bassianus, he gained his infamous reputation during his short yet eventful reign from 218 to 222 AD. Let us explore the reasons behind his controversial rule and how it added to his already bizarre legacy.

Key Points About Elagabalus

Foreign Deity Worship: Elagabalus, born in a Syrian background, was named after the sun deity Elagabal. He introduced this foreign deity to Rome and attempted to impose its worship upon the traditional Roman pantheon. This religious shift was met with resistance from the Roman elite, who considered it a threat to their established beliefs.

Extravagant and Scandalous Lifestyle: Elagabalus held lavish banquets where he would serve exotic and expensive dishes, including peacock tongues and flamingo brains. He was also known for dressing up as different mythological characters and frequently appearing in public as Venus, the goddess of love.

Personal Life: Elagabalus’s personal life was equally bizarre. He married and divorced multiple times, often for political gain, and shocked Roman society when he married a Vestal Virgin named Aquilia Severa, which was strictly forbidden. His actions caused outrage, and he was eventually forced to divorce her.

Disregard for Tradition and Norms: Elagabalus’s disregard for Roman traditions and norms extended to his personal behavior. He openly flaunted his bisexuality, engaging in scandalous affairs with both men and women. It is even said that he offered vast sums of money to any physician who could provide him with a way to change his gender.

Much of Elagabalus’s reign was characterized by his fascination with chariot racing. He personally participated in races, often cheating to ensure his victory. He would allegedly release lions onto the track to frighten his opponents or rig the chariots with hidden spikes to disable the competition. This obsession with racing further alienated him from the Roman aristocracy.

His erratic behavior and disregard for tradition led to his deep unpopularity among the Roman people and military. Eventually, a rebellion led by his own praetorian guard led to his assassination at the young age of 18. This marked the end of a controversial and tumultuous reign.

Conclusion

The reigns of Caligula and Elagabalus are a testament to the unpredictable and eccentric nature of some Roman emperors. While their actions were often viewed with fear and suspicion during their lifetimes, they continue to intrigue us in the present day. Their legacies serve as reminders of the complexities of human nature and the often mysterious reasons behind the actions of those in power.