The court officials thought he had died and began to congratulate Caligula on his accession, when Tiberius awoke. It is said that the Emperor was smothered with his bedclothes by Caligula's personal assistant. Caligula was in a perfect position to assume power, despite the obstacle of Tiberius's will, which named him and his cousin Tiberius Gemellus joint heirs. (Gemellus's life was shortened considerably by his orders). In the first months Caligula's reign was mild and his policies showed some good judgment. Even then, Caligula took much pleasure in attending executions and he preferred to have them drawn-out. Soon his grandmother Antonia, who might have been a good influence, died. After this, he became very ill and recovered this as a very different man. The real terror of Caligula's mind began to show itself. In a few months he entirely exhausted the treasury, which the late Tiberius had filled by years of economizing. People suspected of disloyalty were executed or driven to suicide. On one occasion, when there weren't enough condemned criminals to fight the tigers and lions in the arena, Caligula ordered some spectators to be dragged from the benches into the
The court officials thought he had died and began to congratulate Caligula on his accession, when Tiberius awoke. It is said that the Emperor was smothered with his bedclothes by Caligula's personal assistant. Caligula was in a perfect position to assume power, despite the obstacle of Tiberius's will, which named him and his cousin Tiberius Gemellus joint heirs. (Gemellus's life was shortened considerably by his orders). In the first months Caligula's reign was mild and his policies showed some good judgment. Even then, Caligula took much pleasure in attending executions and he preferred to have them drawn-out. Soon his grandmother Antonia, who might have been a good influence, died. After this, he became very ill and recovered this as a very different man. The real terror of Caligula's mind began to show itself. In a few months he entirely exhausted the treasury, which the late Tiberius had filled by years of economizing. People suspected of disloyalty were executed or driven to suicide. On one occasion, when there weren't enough condemned criminals to fight the tigers and lions in the arena, Caligula ordered some spectators to be dragged from the benches into the