There are many reasons why Caligula, his wife, and his daughter were all murdered within five years of him taking power.

The reason his wife and daughter were also murdered is because the people didn’t want his bloodline to continue.

Early on during his rule, Caligula fell ill. Multiple reports reference how much he changed after that sickness.

While there’s no clear evidence linking the two together, it’s impossible to ignore that changes to his mental health status might’ve been motivating factors during his miserable reign.

Caligula’s sexual deviance and cruelty resulted in celebratory responses instead of sadness from the people he ruled over. These were some of his worst moves!

Tried to Become a God

Society has seen failed examples of human beings trying to become gods. In every scenario, it does not go well.

Caligula is a prime example. Attempting to become a god will only lead to an inflated ego that doesn’t benefit anyone.

By trying to play god, you will undoubtedly destroy peoples’ lives. That’s what happens when power-hungry tyrants feel they must go out of their way to prove themselves.

Caligula wanted to become a god more than anything in the world. His darkest actions were directly tied to that twisted desire. 

Ordered a Statue of Himself

While it’s not uncommon to have statues of yourself sculpted as a ruler, doing so too early into your leadership can be seen as problematic.

Caligula wanted a statue of himself made when he was only four years into power. He put out the order at a time when he was hated by the people he ruled over.

He did that to maintain the power and control he had over his people. Caligula requested the statue to be erected near groups of people who loathed him.

They were the same people who attempted revolts against former rulers. Caligula knew exactly what he was doing to rub them the wrong way by flexing his dominance with that intentional statue placement. 

What’s the most disturbing detail you just learned about Caligula? Let us know in the comments below!