Caligula, born Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus in 12 CE, ruled as Roman emperor from 37 to 41 CE. The son of the popular general Germanicus, he earned the childhood nickname “Caligula” (“little boots”) while accompanying troops on campaign. At first, his reign promised hope after the austerity of Tiberius, as he granted amnesties and staged public games. However, ancient sources describe his rule quickly turning into a mixture of cruelty and extravagance. Caligula declared himself a livi