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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Dec 14

When he was born, his name was Octavian.

When he died, his name was Augustus.

The story of how a distant relative of Julius Caesar beat the odds to become the first Emperor of Rome. /🏛️🧵

Gaius Octavius Thurinus was born on September 23rd 63 BC in the city of Rome, on the Palentine Hill, very close to the Roman Forum.

Even though we know him as "Octavian", technically his name was Octavius.

His father was was a Roman politician named Gaius Octavius.

His mother was Atia Balba Caesonia, a niece of Julius Caesar. This made Octavian the grand-nephew of Caesar.

It was this relationship that was the linchpin to his ultimate rise to power.

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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Dec 7

Caligula is at the top of every "Rome's Worst Emperors" list.

Surprisingly, his reign started off well, but then it took a turn for the worse.

What happened?

Let's do a deep dive into the reign of the mad Emperor; Caligula. / 🏛️🧵

Who was Caligula?

Caligula was the 3rd Roman Emperor in the Julio-Claudian dynasty (succeeding Tiberius and preceding Claudius) and his reign only lasted four short years from 16 March 37 AD - 24 January 41 AD. He was born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus on August 31, 12 AD.

He came from an excellent bloodline. His father was Germanicus, a famous Roman general and grandson of Mark Antony. His mother was Agrippina the Elder, the granddaughter on Augustus.

The name we know him by, Caligula, was actually a nickname that stood for "little boots." This nickname was given to him by the soldiers of his father's army, due to the miniature military boots he wore as a child. The name stuck, but he reportedly disliked it as an adult.

Caligula was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard on January 24th 41 AD. Why was he assassinated by the soldiers whose job was to protect him? More on that later...

How Did Caligula Become Emperor?

Caligula became Emperor upon the death of Tiberius on 16 March 37 AD.

Tiberius was Caligula’s great-uncle by marriage and adoption. Tiberius was married to Julia the Elder, Augustus's daughter, which made him Caligula's great-uncle through Augustus. Caligula's father, Germanicus, was Tiberius's adopted son, making Tiberius Caligula's adoptive grandfather. Caligula's relationship to Tiberius was complex and evolved over time, marked by a mixture of familial ties, political necessity, and mutual suspicion.

Tiberius had basically become an Emperor in absentia as he removed himself from Rome and lived in a self inflicted exile on the island of Capri. Tiberius called for Caligula to stay with him on Capri to keep a watchful eye on him (as Tiberius was extremely paranoid). Some historians suggest that Caligula was kept there as a sort of hostage to ensure the loyalty of potential rivals. During this time, Caligula skillfully navigated the dangerous environment, displaying outward loyalty while concealing his true feelings.

As Tiberius aged, he was still without an obvious or named heir. Tiberius died on March 16, 37 AD. According to some accounts, Tiberius was either smothered by a pillow or left to die without aid by his Praetorian Prefect, Naevius Sutorius Macro, and possibly with the collusion of Caligula.

With the support of Macro, Caligula was declared emperor by the Senate. Macro’s backing was crucial, as he commanded the Praetorian Guard, which was instrumental in securing Caligula’s position. His ascension was ratified by the Senate, which was eager to see a change from Tiberius’s reign.

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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Nov 30

From whispers of power to cries of despair.

The famous last words of Roman Emperors. /🧵

Augustus

Rome's first Emperor Augustus died on August 19th 14 AD. Ancient historians hint that he was poisoned by his wife Livia. His last words refer to the role he played as Rome's first Emperor.

Nero

Rome's most egomaniacal Emperor, Nero died on June 9th 68 AD. Declared an enemy of the state, he was forced to take his own life. Nero was more interested in being a performer than Emperor, as his final words reflect.

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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Nov 29

The movie Gladiator II introduces the characters of Caracalla, Geta, and Macrinus to the Gladiator franchise.

The movie got the names right, but it is full of historical inaccuracies.

Here's the actual story of these three figures from Roman History. /🧵

Caracalla and Geta were the sons of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, who founded the Severan dynasty.

When Severus died on February 4th 211 AD, he named Caracalla and Geta as joint inheritors to his throne and empire.

Caracalla and Geta were to rule Rome together as co-Emperors.

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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Nov 24

The Roman Empire it's share of bad Emperors.

But nine of them were particularly vile.

Tyranny, debauchery, madness, murder: it's all on display with these worst of the worst Emperors of Rome. /🧵

Tiberius

Dynasty: Julio-Claudian

Reign: 17 September 14 – 16 March 37 (22 years, 5 months and 27 days)

Bio:

Tiberius Claudius Nero, was the second Roman Emperor. Adopted by Augustus, he was a skilled military commander and administrator. Tiberius initially maintained the stability of the empire but became increasingly reclusive, ruling from Capri in his later years. His reign is marred by the notorious maiestas (treason) trials, driven by paranoia and political intrigue. Tiberius’ governance set important precedents for Roman imperial administration, but his legacy is overshadowed by his perceived tyranny and the brutal suppression of perceived threats to his authority.

Why he's on the list:
• Didn't want to be Emperor in the first place
• Abandoned Rome and self-exiled himself to Capri
• Did unspeakably bad things on that island
• Extremely paranoid
• Unjustly killed several people through his "Treason Trials"

Caligula

Dynasty: Julio-Claudian

Reigned: 18 March 37 – 24 January 41 (3 years, 10 months and 6 days)

Bio:

Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, was the third Roman Emperor. Nicknamed "Caligula" for the small boots he wore as a child, he succeeded Tiberius. Initially popular, his reign soon turned infamous for alleged cruelty, extravagance, and claims of insanity. He purportedly squandered Rome’s wealth, indulged in grandiose projects, and exhibited erratic behavior, including declaring himself a god. Caligula’s rule ended abruptly when he was assassinated in a conspiracy involving Praetorian Guards, senators, and courtiers, leaving a legacy marked by tyranny and chaos.

Why he's on the list:
• Claimed to be a god
• Committed incest with his sisters
• Marched is legions to the shores of the English Channel just to collect shells
• Wanted to make his horse a Consul
• Particularly cruel and vicious, making fathers watch as their sons were executed

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Michael McGill 🏛

@mcgillmd921

Nov 23

Nobody knew how to celebrate a victory quite like ancient Rome knew how to celebrate a victory.

When a military commander returned from a victorious campaign, the entire city of Rome was treated to a spectacle.

Let's relive ancient Rome's most glorious victory celebration. /🧵

Ancient Rome observed military victories with ceremonies designed to honor the victorious military leader, inspire loyalty among Roman citizens, and celebrate the might of Rome.

Of all the ceremonies, one stood out as the most magnificent...

The Roman Triumph

It was the highest honor granted to a victorious general (or triumphator). It was the ultimate ambition of every great Roman military leader to be victorious in battle and be acknowledged with a Triumph.

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