Caligula
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Caligula (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Caligula (works)
Caligula (12 CE - 41 CE) was the third Roman Emperor, who reigned from 37 to 41 CE.
Overview
Caligula was the third ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He succeeded Tiberius and was followed by Claudius).
Caligula and the Jews
In his youth, Caligula formed a strong friendship for Herod Agrippa, but as Emperor his policy toward the Jews was not favorable.
In Judea Caligula had Marullus as his appointed governor for his entire tenure (37-41 CE). A major crisis arose following the Emperor's order that his image be placed in the Temple at Jerusalem. Petronius, the governor of Syria, was ordered to mobilize half of his army in Palestine in order to enforce this command (39-40). The Jews petitioned Petronius who supported their cause, while Herod Agrippa also tried to mediate in Rome. Caligula sent orders to carry out his will and even intimated Petronius to suicide; only the assassination of Caligula avoided the showdown.