Caligula

Rufus

Caligula and Rufus share a close bond, with Rufus often acting as a confidant and supporter.

Drusus

Caligula and Drusus are brothers, their relationship marked by rivalry and familial tension.

Asinius Pollio

Asinius Pollio serves as a historian and advisor to Caligula, offering counsel and critique.

Augustus Caesar

Augustus Caesar is Caligula's great-grandfather, a revered ancestor whose legacy looms over Caligula.

Lucius Cinna

Caligula and Lucius Cinna are political rivals, with Cinna plotting against Caligula's rule.

Zeno

Caligula is fascinated by Zeno's Stoic philosophy, often engaging him in intense debates to test his own beliefs.

Pompey

Caligula and Pompey are historical rivals, with Caligula often comparing himself unfavorably to Pompey's military glory.

Philip

Caligula is obsessed with Philip of Macedon, seeing him as a model of ruthless power and conquest.

Brutus

Brutus and Caligula are ideological enemies, with Brutus representing republican virtue against Caligula's tyranny.

Jupiter

Caligula claims to be Jupiter incarnate, a delusional obsession that drives his tyrannical behavior.

Julius Caesar

Caligula is a descendant of Julius Caesar, whom he idolizes and seeks to surpass in power.

Zeno

Caligula is fascinated by Zeno's Stoic philosophy, often engaging him in intense debates to test his own beliefs.

On the False Greatness of Anger

Mentioned for his mad challenge to Jupiter during a thunderstorm, exemplifying anger's false grandeur.

XXIII

Commemended for burning letters addressed to Pompey to avoid knowing who opposed him, demonstrating merciful restraint and preferring to put anger out of his power.

Chapter XXXIII: On the Pretense of Forgiveness and the Burden of Power

Offended by the appearance of Pastor's son, he orders the son's execution and then forces the father to dine with him, testing his composure.

XVIII

Flogged and tortured senators and knights for amusement, showing monstrous cruelty without judicial cause.

XIX

Described as a monster who beat senators with rods, tortured them with engines, executed men at night, and silenced their dying cries by stuffing sponges or rags into their mouths, then killed their fathers to 'free them from sorrow.'

Chapter XXI

Destroyed a beautiful villa at Herculaneum because his mother was once imprisoned there, making it notorious.

On the True Measure of Wealth and the Folly of Luxury

Cited as an example of unlimited vice combined with unlimited power, having dined at a cost of ten million sesterces, a sum derived from the tribute of three provinces.

II

Mentioned as the emperor during whose reign the loss occurred, highlighting the political context.

VII

Referenced as the emperor to whom Marcia owes gratitude and service; his tireless work for the state is contrasted with personal grief.

XIII

Mentioned as the late sovereign whose frenzy caused suffering, in contrast to the current emperor's mercy.

Chapter XV

Grandson of Augustus, lost his brother Lucius and bore both mental and physical afflictions with piety and fortitude.

XVII

Criticized for his disgraceful mourning of his sister Drusilla, including gambling and erratic behavior.

XVIII

Recalled for his reckless rule and the near-famine caused by his actions.

On the Shortness of Life

Mentioned as the emperor who relieved Turannius of his duties, prompting the old man's dramatic mourning.

XI

Mentioned as the host who opened Caesar's house to Pompeius, leading to Pompeius's downfall.

XIV

The tyrant who ordered Julius Kanus's execution; Seneca compares him to Phalaris and notes his cruel reliability in carrying out death sentences.

XVIII

Depicted as a cruel and insulting emperor whose mockery of others, including Asiaticus Valerius and Chaerea, ultimately led to his assassination.

XI

Referenced as the Caesar whose friend saved a man from proscription, illustrating the arrogance of the preserver.

XII

Spares Pompeius Pennus but humiliates him by offering his left foot to be kissed, displaying arrogance and trampling on liberty.

On Receiving Benefits from the Unworthy

Mentioned as the tyrant who put Julius Graecinus to death for being a better man than suited a tyrant.

Book IV: The Intrinsic Value of Benefits and Gratitude

Referred to as Caius Caesar, the most bloodthirsty of mankind, whose rule is justified by the merits of his father Germanicus and earlier ancestors.

XXXI

Cited as a bloodthirsty ruler whose empire was given in honor of his ancestors, including Germanicus.

XI

Offers Demetrius two hundred thousand sesterces, attempting to honor or corrupt him.

Endnotes

Referenced in notes on the bridge at Baiae and as 'Gaius Caesar' in the context of executioner's hook.