Separating Fact from Fiction in Accounts of Caligula
Historical records’ reliability mainly depends on how close in time they were written to the events they describe. Regarding Caligula, the third Roman Emperor, the earliest written accounts were recorded decades after his death. As a result, separating fact from fiction in stories about Caligula can be difficult.
One famous story about Caligula is that he promoted his horse to the position of consul. While this may seem outlandish, it is not supported by historical evidence. However, Caligula’s policies were equally ridiculous – such as his decree that no one could stand taller than him when he passed by, under penalty of death. Sifting through historical records can help us gain a more accurate understanding of the past.
Advertisement
