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20. “I Am Rearing a Viper for the Roman People
Ancient Rome’s Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (12 – 41 AD) is better known to history by his nickname Caligula (“Little Boots”). He got the nickname because of the miniature legionary outfits he wore as a child while accompanying his father on military campaigns. Little Boots grew to become emperor of Rome from 37 to 41 AD, and is probably the gold standard for crazy rulers.
Caligula was raised by his uncle, Emperor Tiberius, who might have been the most paranoid odd fish to have ever ruled ancient Rome. Tiberius spent much of his reign as a recluse in a pedophilic pleasure palace in Capri, only surfacing on occasion to order the execution of relatives accused of treason. Tiberius’ victims included Caligula’s mother and two brothers, and he probably poisoned Caligula’s father as well. A great natural actor, Caligula hid any resentment felt towards his uncle and survived the bitter Tiberius, who named him heir, quipping “I am rearing a viper for the Roman people“.