Saint Caligula??!

[Geon]

I don't know if this has been done before but it is an idea that has been circulating in my mind for a while now. I would like to present this opening part of the story and see what the general reaction is to it before I proceed. Please note that my references to the Jews in accordance with the writing of the times refers to the Jewish leaders and is not meant to be anti-Semitic in any way shape or form.

The Conversion and Life of Saint Gaius also called Caligula
By Geon​

When Caligula fell ill in Rome there was great fear throughout the city. It was whispered that the young emperor had been poisoned by those who were jealous of his ascension to power. All of Rome was saddened and fearful that their “little boots”, as he was so often nicknamed would die. In the temples many offered sacrifices and prayers to the gods on behalf of the emperor. And in the palace servants quietly aided the physicians as they attempted to save the young man’s life.

Now it happed that one of those servants was a follower of the Way. He went to one of the Roman centurions who guarded the Emperor and said, “There is one who may be able to heal the Emperor. In the city there is a man named Clement, who is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. He is a godly man, full of the Holy Spirit. Send for him.For all the physicians seem unable to do anything to help the emperor.

The Roman centurion was astonished at the boldness of the servant and decided to do as he suggested. He sent a Roman guard to find Clement and ask him to come to the palace. Clement agreed, even though many in the church were fearful that this was some sort of deception to arrest him, for the Jews had been making terrible accusations about the Christians in Rome of late before the magistrates. Nevertheless, Clement said he would come with the guards and returned to the palace with them.

When Clement was brought into the inner rooms of the palace he saw Caligula lying upon his couch in great distress, and there was hardly any breath left in him. Clement came up to the couch and laid his hands on Caligula and said, “My Emperor, the Lord Jesus Christ bids you get up." Immediately the illness left Caligula and he rose from his couch and looked around in wonder.

Caligula then asked what had happened and Clement said, “You have been ill most excellent Caligula, but Jesus Christ has healed you of your illness. Now if you will hear your servant please eat something that you may regain your strength.” Caligula immediately ordered food not only for himself but for Clement, and the servants brought bread, fruit, cheese, and wine. And when they had brought the food Caligula asked Clement to dine with him.

Caligula then asked, “Who is this Jesus you speak of, for I know very little of him?” Immediately, Clement began to speak to Caligula of the faith. For several hours Clement spoke with Caligula and it was clear Caligula was very moved by what he heard. When Clement told Caligula how Jesus had been falsely accused by the Jewish leaders before Pontius Pilate he ordered that a transcript of the trial be found and brought to him. He further asked that Clement would return to speak with him further on the faith. Clement agreed and the Roman guard saw him safely to his home.

 

[Geon]

Part One Continued

Thank you all for the comments both good and bad. Before I begin let me address one question -slydessertfox if you will look in Phil 4:3 you will find reference to a Clement there. Clement was according to tradition a disciple of St. Paul and St. Peter, and took over the duties of the church in Rome from Peter after his martyrdom.

As to the style of the writing, the document-as I will indicate when I have finished - is being written as if it were a narrative written at the time of what is happening. This is normally not the style I personally write in so bear with me. This document's "pedigree" will be explained at the end of this particular piece.

Now here is a short update.

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Then Caligula went out and presented himself to the people of Rome. The people rejoiced greatly at the recovery of their “little boots” and praised the gods as they believed it was them that had healed their emperor. But Caligula interrupted them and said, “Not so,” rather it was the working of Jesus of Nazareth whose followers are among us now that allows me to stand before you alive and healthy. It is to him you should give thanks.

Many in the crowd were puzzled at what the emperor said for as yet the Way was still not widely known in Rome, but many more responded with shouts of thanksgiving to this “new god” that had come into their midst.

The next day as evening came Clement once more was brought before Caligula. Now, Caligula had ordered the transcripts of the trial of Jesus brought to him and was examining them when Clement came in. Caligula said to Clement, “I have reviewed the sentence of Pilate and like him I find no basis for a charge against your Jesus. It appears that Pilate was forced to condemn this man because of the hatred of a few of the Jewish leaders who sought the life of Jesus out of jealousy. If you desire it I will have these men brought to Rome in chains for theirs is the true crime. Clement replied, “May it please the emperor, our Lord teaches us to forgive those who act spitefully against us. Let these men be. For God will certainly visit judgment upon them in due time. Caligula agreed to this, but also decreed that a full pardon must be issued by the governor of Jerusalem to pardon Jesus of any charges against him.[1]

Then the Emperor asked Clement to dine with him again. And while they were dining he asked Clement to tell him more of Jesus of Nazareth. Clement agreed and spent much of the rest of the evening with Caligula. At the end of that time, Caligula once more had the guard see Clement safely home and asked him to come again next evening, and Clement agreed.

[1] There have been several “Pardons of Jesus” discovered over the years. The earliest written one dates from the 7th century AD. None of them has been confirmed to be the one referred to here.

 

[Geon]

The Conversion

For the next twelve days Caligula invited Clement to share his evening meal with him. During this time Clement taught Caligula a great deal about the faith. On the evening of the twelfth day Caligula asked Clement if he would baptize the Emperor. Clement was astonished and told Caligula.“What you ask is no mean thing my Emperor. If you do this you will turn many in Rome against you, for our Lord warned us that in this life we would have tribulation if we followed him.” Caligula answered, “Nevertheless I do want to become a Christian. I am Emperor, and Christ has saved me from my illness, I cannot believe but that he has done so for some greater purpose. I know that what I ask may lead to many thinking I am mad, but I do not care! I desire to follow Christ and to belong to him.”

When Clement saw that Caligula was determined to do this he consented to baptize him. He took the emperor to the palace baths and there baptized him privately praying that God would strengthen him. And Clement also prophesized saying, “Your reign on earth will not be long O Emperor.Many shall raise their hands against you for what you have become. But know that though your reign shall not be long your deeds shall speak long after you are asleep.” And Caligula said, “Amen, so be it.”

The next day Caligula appeared before the Senate and they welcomed him with a great ovation. And Caligula said to them, “I rejoice to stand before you once again. ”And the senators as one praised the god Jupiter saying that it was by his might that Caligula had been restored to them. But Caligula interrupted them saying, “It is not by the might of Jupiter or any of our Roman gods that I stand before you but by the might of the God of heaven, the one true God that I have been healed. Know worthy senators that it is because of the Christians that I now stand before you healthy and well. Their God has healed me and given me new life in more ways than you can know. And now, how can I continue to follow or worship Jupiter or any of the other gods seeing they are subordinate to the one God? For this one God is the true creator of the whole world and all the other gods owe allegiance to Him.”

When the Senate heard this word they marveled. But many in the Senate became angry because Caligula said there was a god greater than the Roman gods. But, for fear of the Emperor’s wrath they said nothing but went out to consider the matter further.

 

[Geon]

Caligula and the Christians

Something that has not yet been discussed is how Caligula's conversion would have been received by the Roman Christian community. Perhaps this will answer that question.
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In the days that followed Caligula summoned Clement to the palace several times to hear him discourse on the faith. Caligula and Clement would talk long into the night and later Caligula would have a guard escort Clement to his home. During this time many servants in the palace and many of the centurions of Caligula’s guard became obedient to the faith and were baptized.

The Christians in Rome marveled much at the news that the Emperor had become a believer. But there were some among them who feared this was some deception and for a time there was division among the brethren there.

Then, three weeks after the conversion of the Emperor the Christians gathered on the first day of the week for prayer. There came among them at that time several people robed in simple robes with hoods that hid their faces. At first the Christians were concerned but Clement and several other brothers said they should be allowed to join the group and the congregation assented. As the time drew near to receive the Eucharist the visitors cast aside their hoods. And wonder of wonders, it was the Emperor himself and many of his personal guard! When Caligula came forward to receive the bread and the cup from Clement’s hand many in the congregation sought to bow or kneel to him but he stopped them saying, “Here my brothers and sisters I am but a servant of Christ, as are you. And the congregation marveled as one at this.[1]

When the service was ended all sat down to a meal and Caligula brought forth several fine ripe pears which he had picked from the orchard near the palace. Before the feast ended Caligula brought out one hundred gold coins and distributed them to the poorest in the congregation. After this he carefully wrapped the robes around himself then he and his personal guard made their way back to the palace.

[1] This incident was considered to be a later addition to the text by many critical scholars until 1893 when an excavation beneath the Church of St. Clemens in Rome revealed a fresco dating from the 2nd century which shows Caligula reverently kneeling before St. Clement preparing to receive communion.

 

[Geon]

Caligula, Tiberius, and the Senate

How will Caligula's conversion affect his future rule is hinted at here.
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Soon after this Caligula summoned his adopted son, Tiberius Gemellus. Tiberius was still only a boy but during Caligula’s illness there were rumors that he was being prepared to take the throne should the Emperor die. Tiberius feared for his life at first when he appeared before Caligula, but Caligula welcomed him and embraced him as a father would embrace his son. The two talked for many hours both about the Faith and personal matters. Caligula then sent Tiberius away but said he would summon again tomorrow.

The next day Caligula summoned the boy again and after they had talked quietly for a while he took him by the hand and led him into the Senate. Here he reaffirmed before the Senate that Tiberius was his chosen heir and was to receive all of the honor due a future emperor. The Senate arose and gave a great ovation to both Caligula and Tiberius. Caligula further decreed that from that day on Tiberius would sit next to him when he held audience so that he would learn what was needful for an emperor.

The day after Caligula said this he summoned three of the senators to appear before him in the palace at noon. When the senators came in they found Caligula examining several scrolls and ledgers, and Tiberius was seated beside him. Caligula looked up and said, “I have learned that there are those in the senate who are using the money in the public treasury for their own purposes.” As one the senators trembled for all three had done so for some time. Caligula went on to accuse them and showed them evidence that had brought to him of their mismanagement. The senators then confessed that they had indeed been stealing from the public treasury.

Caligula then ordered that all of the senators’ properties should be seized except for their personal belongings. And he ordered them to be exiled from Rome permanently. Finally he ordered that an account of this matter should be written and read publically in the Senate so that others might learn from the fate of these three. The Senate was astonished not only that Caligula held these three to account but also that he was very lenient with them and did not order the punishment to be harsher.

 

[Geon]

Caligula and the Senate

Yuelang, you have but to ask. Here is a short snippet, but take special care to read the foot notes here because they are as important or more so then the text!
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In the days and weeks that followed Caligula often would walk in the poorer sections of Rome and distribute coins and bread to those in need. But Caligula took care that when he went out he wore a robe that covered his face so that those who received his gifts would not know that it was the Emperor that had given them. For Caligula did not want to have his almsgiving seen among men.

He also spent time writing a tract which would later be read and distributed among the Senate entitled Proper Ethics for a Senator. In it he explained what should be expected of a noble Roman senator in his behavior.[1]

After the Ethics were read in the Senate it caused uproar! Many believed the Emperor was not in his right mind and declared so, but others declared these statements were nothing short of divine wisdom and there was division in the Senate.

[1] Although no complete copy of Ethics has survived several quotations from this document have been cited by ancient writers both secular and sacred. Suetonius quotes extensively from the Ethics in his later accounts of Caligula’s life. Likewise St. Eusebius in his early history of the Christian Church quoted several times from the Ethics.
Among the sayings that can be verified as genuine (and there are many which are suspected to have been added by later writers – again both sacred and secular) are: Let a Senator keep his reputation clean of scandal for a Senator who engages in scandal shames not only himself but his office and by extension all of Rome. A Senator who does not maintain his own household affairs well cannot hope to keep well the affairs of Rome.

 

[Geon]

A Certain Feast

The Caligula of OTL was supposed to have taken a Senator's wife to bed during a feast he was giving. Here in this TL there is a much different outcome. Also, please note, that if I am off on certain aspects of Roman society than please feel free to correct me. I fully admit that ancient Roman dinner etiquette and entertainment is not a major area I am conversant in.
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Several days after the Ethics were read in the Senate Caligula gave a feast and invited several Senators and their wives. He also invited Clement and two of the elders in the Roman church and several of the poorest in Rome were also invited. When the poor arrived they were each given fresh new garments and bathed and then each was brought in and seated around the table with the Emperor.

When the Senators arrived with their wives they were plainly astonished to see the poor of Rome seated at the banquet with the Emperor. But for fear of insulting their host they said nothing. The banquet began and soon it was clear that all were enjoying the fine food and the wines that were provided. But Caligula and Clement and the elders of the church did not eat or drink to excess, while many of the poor and the Senators did. Caligula thought to admonish them but Clement said to him quietly, “Let be, for they are not believers and it is not your place to judge those outside the church.”And Caligula reluctantly agreed.

When the time came for the evening’s entertainment all were thrilled by the acrobats, especially Caligula who was fond of such displays, and the dancers. Nevertheless the Senators were amazed that the dancers and acrobats were so modestly clothed for often they would perform in the nude for the entertainment of those who dined. For Caligula had decreed before the feast that the acrobats and dancers should not be dressed in an immodest way.

Then a singer came before the Emperor and began to sing of Jupiter and one of the dalliances he had with a mortal woman. The Emperor became upset and bade the singer cease his ballad.He then rose and said, “Noble Senators, if you would hear something truly beautiful then hear this. He then reached behind his throne and produced two scrolls which he started to read from. Both were from the Hebrew Scriptures translated into the Greek language[1]one was the scroll of the Psalms and the other was the Song of Songs, otherwise known as the Song of Solomon. And Caligula read several passages from the Psalms and the Song and his guests were pleased.

After Caligula had finished a reading from the Song of Songs he turned to one of the Senators whose wife was particularly beautiful and said, “How fortunate a man you are my good Senator to have such a lovely wife! She is indeed as fair and beautiful as the bride the poet depicts in the Song. May she always bring you joy!” And saying this he proposed a toast to the Senator and his wife. The Senator was quite amazed at this honor and proclaimed that indeed his wife gave him great joy. Whereupon the Emperor bestowed a gift upon the couple and enjoined them to continue to be faithful to one another, “For infidelity today seems to abound more and more,” observed Caligula, “And it is good that such as you Senator set a good example.”

The evening ended and all left very happy, and before they left each of the poor of Rome was given an extra set of clothing three gold coins and a loaf of fine bread and fruit.

The next day in the Senate many of the Senators inquired of those who had been at the feast with the Emperor what had happened. And one of the Senators – the one who had been complimented about his wife exclaimed, “The gods themselves could not have enjoyed themselves more last night!” And many in the Senate were astounded.

Likewise among the poor in Rome many rejoiced at the good fortune of their fellows and praised the Emperor. And many among the poor sought out the Christians of Rome to learn more of the faith.

[1] i.e. the Septuagint

 

[Geon]

And a Child Shall Lead Them

Here we begin to see some of the social ramifications for an early Christian emperor. Note that in this period in OTL the Christians in Rome gained praise for the fact that they had a policy of protecting and caring for abandoned children.
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During his times he walked among the poor in Rome, Caligula noticed the large number of babies that were left abandoned on trash piles and elsewhere by families that were too poor to feed them. He later learned that this was not merely a practice among the poor but even many among the nobility would do this if they found a child was not a boy or if they felt indisposed to care for the child. Caligula was much disturbed by this and sought counsel with his friend Clement.

Clement told Caligula that the Christians in Rome had begun to find and care for these abandoned children but there were so many that they were unable to care for them all. After some days Caligula decided on a plan. He ordered that childless young widows who no longer had means of support should be brought together and that homes were to be set aside for them where they would be able to live and that these widows would be able to care for the young children who were abandoned with the help of the Christians. The idea pleased Clement and soon a number of such homes were set up throughout Rome. Many abandoned children who would have died were thus saved by the kindness of the Emperor. The homes would for many years thereafter be called Houses of Caligula.

In the meantime Tiberius Gemellus had become more and more interested in the Christian faith. He would often talk with Caligula and with Clement regarding this. After many weeks Tiberius asked if he too could be baptized. Clement was delighted but felt it best to ask Tiberius’ guardian, Caligula first. Caligula too was overjoyed. That night Tiberius was baptized as Caligula had been in the palace baths. And still later Tiberius and Caligula joined the Christians in Rome to share the Eucharistic feast. But Caligula decided to keep the matter of Tiberius becoming a Christian secret from the Senate for he knew there were those there who were already grumbling against him.

 

[Geon]

The Dialogues and Storm Clouds Brewing

This section owes a great deal to some of the comments made earlier. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
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As the months passed Caligula became more and more disturbed in spirit over two matters. First, the pagan priests of Rome were becoming increasingly angry at him for he now refused to come to the temples on feast days to sacrifice. The priests became convinced that some great calamity would befall Rome if the Emperor did not return to the worship of the gods and frequently told him so. Eventually, Caligula ordered them banished from his presence and would not allow them in the palace. In their anger the priests tried to stir up the Senate against Caligula to remove him but as of yet the Senate refused to move against him. Indeed many of the senators rebuked the priests and told them “This is the Emperor and he will worship whatever god or gods seem good to him!”

In addition to this the Emperor was more and more disturbed as he saw the large number of brothels in the city. Of old such sights would have thrilled him but now they disturbed him as his new faith taught that sexual immorality and promiscuity must be avoided. Because of this Caligula began to seriously think that the brothels and prostitutes should be banned from Rome.

On account of the pagan priests and the brothels Caligula decided to consult Clement to find out how he should deal with these matters. Clement after much prayer said to the Emperor, “The matters you speak of are not small ones. You are the Emperor and at your word a man may live or die. You have asked me no small thing and I am reluctant to give an answer lest I say something that is not the will of the Lord. Therefore I counsel you mighty Caligula to send a letter to the holy men in Jerusalem, namely the Apostles. They are worthy men and wise in both the Scriptures and in the wisdom of our Lord Jesus, and they may well be able to guide the Emperor in these matters.” The Emperor agreed but asked Clement to write a letter by way of introduction. Clement agreed and wrote the First Letter which has come to be called The Introduction of Clement, which is the first letter in the Dialogues of the Apostles and the Emperor.

 

[Geon]

Introduction to the Dialogues

The following section departs from the style of the hagiography briefly to describe the writing of the Dialogues I mentioned in the last section and hint at how said Dialogues affected thinking in the Christian church down through the years. Note-that some of the footnotes could probably be improved. If anyone has suggestions pleas let me know.
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The Dialogues of the Apostles and the Emperor is one of the oldest extant books of the New Testament Apocrypha. There is clear evidence that copies of it existed back as far as the early 2nd century. Indeed one copy of the text claims a pedigree that takes it back to the imperial archives.

However, despite this claim to antiquity there is clear evidence that this document has seen revisions and additions over the centuries. Some of these revisions such as the “second letter” of Caligula which claims to see a vision of Rome as the “New Jerusalem” pictured in Revelation are clearly meant to bolster the position of Rome in the medieval world. This same “second letter,” would later be a major reason many of the leaders in the Protestant Reformation would initially reject the Dialogues’ canonicity.

The authenticity of the Dialogues has never been debated by most serious New Testament scholars. While there were a number in the 19th century in the “higher criticism” area that believed the Dialogues were written at least a century after the events they describe more recent archeological discoveries as well as the unearthing of a copy of the Dialogues relatively unedited which dates back to the early 2nd century (see above) have more or less discredited this view.

For many years the Church was of a mixed mind about whether the Dialogues should be considered canonical. The Western Church included them in its canon just after the Acts of the Apostles and before Romans.The Eastern Church did not include them.

The question was not fully resolved until the Council of Trent. After much debate it was agreed that while the Dialogues were genuine they “did not substantially contribute to the teaching of the New Testament, nevertheless they remain useful for the moral teaching they provide.”[1] Among leaders of the Reformed church the revised versions of the Dialogues initially did not comment them to the New Testament canon.However, after a century or so the Dialogues were accepted on the same level as the Deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament, “useful for guiding moral behavior but not for doctrine.”

The Dialogues are divided into the following sections.

1. Introductory Letter by Clement – Clement writes to the Apostles in Jerusalem and tells them of the conversion of Caligula to the faith. He also tells of Caligula’s faith and good works and briefly shares the concerns Caligula will deal with in his letter.
2. The Emperor’s letter – Caligula gives a testimony of his life both prior to his illness and then afterword. He contrasts his “perverse and evil lifestyle” before he came to the faith with what he has now become. He then asks the Apostles the two questions that he is concerned about.
a. As Emperor of Rome he is responsible to “set a good example before the people.” Part of this involves sacrificing to the pagan gods of Rome. Is it right therefore for him even though no longer believing in the pagan gods to sacrifice to them
b. Rome is “filled with houses of evil pleasure”, as Caligula calls the houses of prostitution. While he does not care for these places he is concerned for those in Rome. Should he expel the prostitutes from Rome?
3. The Apostles’ Response – The response of the Apostles, which is signed by Peter first of all offers thanksgiving for the Emperor’s coming to the faith and urges him to continue in his growth in grace. It also warns him that for someone in power such as him there will be many temptations to sin, “Remember that the first shall be last, and the last first,” is repeated 7 times during the Response. The Response then deals with the matters the Emperor asked about.
a. First in regard to sacrificing to the old pagan gods it reminds the Emperor that these are not “true” gods. And that he will serve a better example to the people by refraining from sacrificing to or even acknowledging them. Caligula is warned however that this will not be popular with many in Rome and he is cautioned to not say much about this in public, lest what he says be used against him.
b. As to closing the houses of prostitution, Peter takes a surprisingly mild tone. Caligula is not responsible for the behavior of all those in Rome, but he is responsible for the care of his own soul. He [and Clement] are reminded in the letter to avoid sexual immorality and to encourage their brethren in the faith to do the same.
-From An Introduction to the Dialogues by Professor Norman Bateman [fictional name], pages 1-2, Zondervan Press, 2003.

[1] From The Deliberations of the Council of Trent on Holy Scripture
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[Geon]

Two Decrees

Here we return to the hagiography style. And Caligula decides on a few matters.
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After Caligula received the letter from the Apostles he spent much time considering how to best put the letter into practice. After several days spent in prayer Caligula summoned a scribe and wrote two letters. The first was entitled A Decree Regarding the Worship of the Gods. In the decree Caligula declared that all in Rome should follow the religion they believed to be most excellent, but that no one should be forced to do worship to any of the gods against his will. The decree further declared that none should be persecuted because they worshiped gods other than those considered the “official” gods of Rome. In this way Caligula declared that both the Jews and of the Christians were to be allowed to worship their own God in what way seemed best to them.

The second decree of the Emperor was entitled A Decree on Sexual Morality. Caligula declared here that prostitution “made cheap the marriage bed.” He urged young men not to seek out prostitutes for doing so only made the women they took as brides “seem common, compared to those harlots who constantly seek to make themselves visions to lust after.” He urged married men to not visit the brothels for he said, “In visiting the brothels they dishonor their wives and their families.”[1] And Caligula concluded the decree by declaring that from this day on there would be a tax of one denarius per visit to the brothels of Rome. He then ordered that tax collectors should be appointed to ensure this tax was collected.

[1] Note-neither letter has survived. However both were quoted extensively both by Suetonius and Tacitus as well as by Gregory I and other early church leaders.

 

[Geon]

A Year Passes

Here is another update and storm clouds are gathering.
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In the year that followed the Emperor’s kindnesses and compassion brought him much acclaim among the people. He would regularly give generously to the poor and invite them to feasts at the palace along with the senators of Rome. He often would distribute fresh loaves of bread to the beggars in the streets disguised as a beggar himself for he did not wish his good deeds to be often trumpeted about.

In the Senate many marveled at the Emperor’s insistence on honesty and integrity in all their deliberations. Caligula declared that all the Senate’s deliberations should always be open to the people of Rome to witness and demanded that the Senators should not make a pledge they knew they would be unable to fulfill.“ As firm as the word of Caligula,” became a well-known phrase at this time and has remained so to this day.

But Caligula refused to enter the pagan temples even during the traditional feast days of sacrifice to the gods. Rather he and his cousin Tiberius would withdraw into quiet places outside of Rome or to be with the brethren during these times. This further angered the priests and many of them became convinced that a great terror would fall on Rome if the Emperor did not sacrifice to the gods. But their entreaties to the Emperor went unheard. Thus did many among the priests begin to plot the death of the Emperor.

 

[Geon]

Martyrdom!

This marks the end of the hagiography, but NOT the timeline. The next entries will be in a more normal narrative style. Please read, review, and enjoy!
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Now Caligula was very fond of the chariot races and often went to the Circus Maximus to watch them, even after his conversion. The Emperor would often invite the charioteers to his palace for a feast after the races and congratulate them on their skill. After he came to the faith, his love for the races continued. He would still invite charioteers to the palace and would often tell them of the faith. And because of this a number of these men were converted to the faith. Also, he would send gifts of money to the charioteers or to their families if one was injured or killed during the race. Thus his favor continued to increase with the people.

But Caligula would no longer go to the Circus Maximus to watch the gladiatorial games; for he did not think it fitting that a Christian should witness such cruelty. And even when invited by the Senators he refused. Now, one day in the summer of the year after his baptism Caligula was approached by several senators and told that the crowd had gathered at the Circus Maximus and were clamoring for the Emperor. When he inquired as to why he was told, “One of the Christians has been seized and is to be executed because it is said he worked sorcery in healing a young girl.” This was a lie by the senators for they were part of the plot to lure Caligula into a trap.

Caligula was much concerned and with his bodyguard he entered the tunnels which led to the Circus Maximus in order to speak to the crowd. As he drew near the entrance to the Circus several men with swords stepped out of the darkness. With a loud cry, “Death to the atheist,” they attacked the Emperor.

Caligula’s bodyguard defended the Emperor bravely, but there were many, and although ten of the conspirators were slain they still outnumbered the bodyguard and within a short time most of the guard were dead. The Emperor stood alone before his enemies. Caligula said simply, “Now do I lay aside this laurel crown for the crown of life.” Then did the evil conspirators fall upon him and stab him several times with their swords and Caligula died praying, “O Lord Jesus, my true King, receive me!”

But one of the guards had only feigned death. Though sorely wounded he had only swooned during the assault.He came to his senses after the assailants had departed and seeing the Emperor dead he wept bitterly. Then in spite of his wounds he rose and returned to the palace. There he took Tiberius, Caligula’s cousin and quickly took him to hide him. When Tiberius heard what had happened to Caligula he also wept bitterly and vowed those who had done this would meet a terrible fate.

Meanwhile the crowd in the Circus Maximus was told by several of the pagan priests, “The atheist is dead,” meaning the Emperor. When they heard this some in the crowd rejoiced but most of the crowd acted as one possessed. They cried aloud and immediately set upon the priests who had announced this terrible thing. Thus began the Great Riot of Rome.

 

[Geon]

Update-The Great Riot and Fire of Rome

From this point on the TL will take a more narrative quality. I will have a post script however explaining the "pedigree" of the hagiography just concluded. The repercussions of Caligula's short reign or just beginning!
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Most historical accounts agree that the Great Riot and Fire of Rome began in the Circus Maximus. The crowds had gathered for the gladiatorial games and were in frenzy when the news of the Emperor was announced by a group of priests.

After a moment of stunned silence the crowd reacted in different ways. Two clear factions emerged. One was led by the pagan priests who saw a Christian emperor as a clear threat to their influence, as well as several senators who also saw Caligula’s recent actions as those of a man “bewitched,” as some such as Tacitus would later claim. The other faction had many adherents among the poor and even among the upper classes who saw Caligula as a hero to the poor.

The factions quickly fell upon one another in the Circus Maximus with the violence spilling out into the streets of Rome. Armed mobs quickly took to the streets. The pagan faction led by the priests entered the poorer sections of Rome and began to actively seek out “the atheists”, their phrase for the Christians who refused to worship the Roman gods. Accusing them of sorcery many Christians were seized and were burned alive in their homes. Later accounts tell of whose families being consigned to the flames for the crime of sorcery, as it was believed at the time the Emperor had been healed by some form of magic performed by the Christians. Among those who perished was Clement who is said to have been stabbed several times with knives and then had his body burned.

However, many Christians were saved by their pagan neighbors. There is clear evidence that many neighbors of the Christians rallied to their defense. In some areas the mob found itself stopped by citizens who bravely defended their Christian neighbors.Unfortunately both attackers and defenders soon found themselves in peril from the fires set by the mob during its attacks.

But, while this was going on several of the upper class of Rome found they were in peril as well. The other part of the mob that survived the fighting in the Circus Maximus – where fighting was still raging – made their way into the richer sections of the city and began to attack the shops and homes of many of those there most notably the homes of the priests and many of the temples.

Although Suetonius is often noted for exaggeration here he appears to simply be reporting what happened when the mob entered the temple of Jupiter and proceeded to tear down the statue of Jupiter and killed several of the priests. Several of the other temples were also either destroyed or badly damaged during the attacks. In addition several Senators homes were broken into and at least one senator was killed along with his family by the angry mob with shouts of “Regicide!”

By evening several sections of the city of Rome were burning and the mobs of both factions were showing no sign of calming despite the pleas of Christian leaders on one hand and some of the senators on the other. Meantime the young Tiberius had been safely removed from the city to a nearby army camp, by centurions loyal to Caligula. Having heard of the death of his cousin, Tiberius Gemellus was more than prepared to mete out some serious vengeance - in the style of a true Roman.

From Lectures on Early Christian Rome by Professor G. Scott; 1989

 

[Geon]

More on the Great Riot

My job has kept me busy for a while but here is a brief update.
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Tiberius Gemellus was only in his teens, when he became Emperor but he had a fierce devotion to his Cousin Caligula according Caligula’s hagiography. Thus, it was no surprise that Tiberius was prepared to go on a rampage of vengeance once he became Emperor.

According to the most reliable accounts, Tiberius had been taken outside the city by some of Caligula’s surviving bodyguards and servants. There he had been sheltered at the army camp for the 3rd Roman legion. Once safely in the camp Tiberius gave orders that the Legion should immediately enter Rome and punish those responsible for the death of his Cousin.

Traditionally no Roman army could enter the city without the permission of the Roman Senate or the Emperor. But the murder of Caligula apparently also effected the officers of the 3rd legion. Despite the fact of Caligula’s conversion to Christianity he was still considered affectionately as “little boots,” by many in the Roman army and had during his reign done nothing to disenfranchise the army. The murder of Caligula was considered a crime by the Senate against the people of Rome and the Empire. However, it should be noted that there was probably a political motive involved in what happened next. The Senate was not popular with many in the Army and the thought of weakening its power in favor of an Emperor more sympathetic to the needs of the military may have played a role in the decisions.

By nightfall the 3rd legion was entering Rome and making its way to the Senate. When the Senate was reached Tiberius ordered that all the Senate should be gathered and forced to convene. The troops spread out and soon the Roman Senators – those who had not been lynched by the vengeful mob – were gathered before Tiberius.

Tiberius demanded that he be acclaimed Emperor before them. Literally at spear point the Roman Senate declared Tiberius Gemellus to be Emperor of Rome. Tiberius then ordered the arrest of the entire Roman Senate on charges of regicide. He also ordered the arrest of his nephew Claudius once he learned he had been acclaimed Emperor by the Senate. In the meantime Tiberius sent the troops into the parts of the city that were still burning to aid as they could and put an end to the rioting. Orders were given that any who were actively instigating the riots were to be arrested.By the next morning several hundred individuals, many of them priests in the temples had been arrested.

Meantime the fires that had been set as a result of the riots would continue to burn for several days despite the attempts by Tiberius and his men to extinguish them. A full ¼ of the city was destroyed by the time the fires died down due to the coming of a rainstorm. But while the storm may have put out the fires a whole new one was about to rage as the trials began.

 

[Geon]

I know it's been a while, but after 4 years I decided to add at least this one little bit here. Please comment and enjoy!
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The fires in Rome may have been put out. But the fire of vengeance was burning in the heart of Tiberius, now Tiberius Gemellus Caesar. Tiberius was determined to make the Senate pay for the murder of his beloved cousin. And many in Rome would have been happy to assist Tiberius in this task. For many of the poor who had survived the fire had lost their homes to the flames.

Two days after Tiberius was proclaimed Emperor the trials began. First Claudius was brought into his presence. Claudius had reluctantly allowed himself to be crowned Emperor by the Senators and the priests involved in the conspiracy after the report of Caligula’s death.

Claudius, according to all accounts, expected nothing but death and stuttered so badly that he could not defend himself before Tiberius. However, at this moment the new bishop of Rome, Linus, entered the picture.

Linus had according to Eusebius only been proclaimed bishop the previous day following the death of Clement. And had come to the palace to witness the trials. Seeing Claudius was so unable to defend himself and seeing the wrath of the Emperor, Linus stepped forth and offered to speak for the unfortunate accused.

Tiberius agreed. Though it is clear from various historians that he was already considering a most unpleasant death penalty for the would-be “emperor.”

Linus’ defense, according to the historian Eusebius, reminded the Emperor Tiberius (II) that he was both a Christian and now ruler of Rome and as such must judge and rule justly. He also told Tiberius that Claudius had not had anything to do with the conspiracy to kill his cousin. “He is merely used by these jealous Senators as a tool for their wickedness.” Linus proclaimed.

Since Claudius was not responsible for the death of Caligula, Linus asked he be pardoned.

Tiberius after a moment’s thought agreed with Linus. Claudius would be pardoned. But he would not be allowed to remain in Rome. Claudius was to be permanently exiled to the island of Cyprus. To return to Rome would mean an instant sentence of death.

Not so fortunate would be the priests and senators who were the ringleaders of the conspiracy. According to Tacitus, 15 had survived among those who had plotted the death of Caligula.

All of these were condemned to death by Tiberius. The Senators were taken out and beheaded in the Circus Maximus before the crowds, who now consisted mostly of those who had lost homes and loved ones in the Great Fire. The priests were sentenced to be imprisoned without food and water in dark windowless cubicles, in effect buried alive, and to die slow torturous deaths.

As further punishment the Emperor ordered the pagan temples closed indefinitely and their treasuries seized, as well as the properties and assets of those Senators accused of being part of the conspiracy. The funds thus collected would be used in helping the poor survivors of the fires and in rebuilding their lives.

Those Senators whom had not joined the conspiracy were forced at sword point to swear an oath before the Emperor. In the oath they agreed first, to accept and acclaim Tiberius Gemellus as Emperor of Rome. They also agreed to affirm the Emperor Caligula’s Decree Regarding the Worship of the gods. Finally, they had to swear that they would no longer interfere in any way directly or indirectly with the worship or livelihood of the Christians in Rome.

Nevertheless, for the remainder of Tiberius Gemellus’ reign the pagan temples in Rome would remain closed.

 

[Geon]

I don't know how long I'll continue this currently. But, FriendlyGhost your wish is answered.
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Tiberius Gemellus Caesar would reign for 15 years. During those years it was made very clear that the Emperor Tiberius II had not forgiven nor forgotten what the Senate had done that fateful day in the tunnels leading to the Circus Maximus.

As indicated above the pagan temples in Rome remained closed for the reign of Tiberius II. Those in Rome who wished to worship the pagan gods could keep shrines in their homes and could journey to temples and shrines in other cities of the empire to offer sacrifice. But the temples in Rome would remain closed.

There were attempts by many of the surviving priests to force the Emperor to reopen the temples. But, the infamous “riots of Jupiter” made it plain the Emperor meant business.

Three years after the Great Riot and Fire, many pagan priests had stirred up several of the pagans in Rome to march to the temple of Jupiter and demand the emperor reopen it and allow them to make sacrifice there. The Roman guard (still made up of members of the third legion) blocked the way into the temple. The priests and other members of the crowd demanded that the soldiers stand aside or face “the wrath of both the god and men.”

By now, many in the 3rd legion were at least nominally Christians. Following the murder of Caligula and the crowning of Tiberius II many in the 3rd legion had chosen to become Christian as a sign of solidarity with their emperor. Though secretly many continued to worship the pagan gods in addition to attending Christian service.

One of the men of the 3rd legion standing guard at the temple of Jupiter was one Sylvanus Graccus. When the crowds threatened the soldiers with the wrath of Jupiter as well as their own if they were not allowed into the temple Sylvanus is said according to Justin Martyr to have replied, “Your ‘god’ Jupiter is no god at all. We do not fear his thunderbolts, for our Lord Jehovah rides on a chariot of the thunderbolts. If your god is so great, why does he not appear now to help you? Likely he is off somewhere whoring with another mortal wench.”

Enraged the crowd surged forward and attacked the guard. Sylvanus was seized and stabbed by many in the mob and died shortly thereafter. [Sylvanus would later become St. Sylvanus known as a patron of soldiers.] The rest of the guard sent for reinforcements. Soon a cohort was marching toward the temple of Jupiter even as the rest of the guard in front of the temple was overwhelmed. The crowd was about to force open the doors to the temple when the cohort arrived.

In the brief skirmish that followed several in the crowd were killed (estimates from ancient accounts vary between 25 and 200). The rest were arrested and ordered to be brought before the Emperor.

Tiberius II was furious at the outbreak of violence. “It is not enough that you pagans sought to commit regicide, that you burned down much of Rome, that now you seek to murder my faithful soldiers. I will tell you now that I will take and tear down your Temple of Jupiter piece by piece and force you to watch as I do so. This lawlessness shall not be tolerated in Rome!”

At this point, according to all the ancient chroniclers, Bishop Linus, who was now an advisor to the Emperor asked that the accused be put outside so he could talk with the Emperor. What was said between them has been variously reported by different sources none of which appear to be accurate. But the accused were summoned back in after an hour.

The Emperor Tiberius II decreed that he would not destroy the Temple of Jupiter. But it would remain closed until he decreed otherwise. The priests who had incited the riot were to be taken to the Circus Maximus and there publicly executed for the crimes of sedition, murder, and inciting a riot. The rest of the rioters would receive a stiff fine and some would find themselves permanently exiled from Rome.

Tiberius II also greatly reduced or modified the power of the Roman Senate. Tiberius decreed a Senator’s son could not hold the office of his father although his grandson could if he proved capable. All Senators before they could take office must now affirm Caligula’s Decree Regarding the Worship of the gods before they could take office. A Senator must annually present his financial records to be examined by officials of the Emperor to assure he was not taking bribes. Finally, any Senator found engaging in “lude or lascivious conduct” could be removed from office.

The first two years of Tiberius reign saw the rebuilding of Rome from the Great Riot and Fire. Tiberius took a hand in the rebuilding ensuring more stringent building standards. The rebuilding was financed by monies and treasures from the temples and by the money from the estates of those Senators who had been executed as a result of their treason in the murder of Emperor Caligula.

The Emperor Augustus had been proclaimed divine by the Senate. Tiberius decreed that from this time forward no Roman Emperor could declare himself divine. Any who did would forfeit the crown of Rome.

Privately Tiberius II lived a very devout life depending on Linus II as his spiritual and temporal advisor. Like his cousin Tiberius gave to the poor and frequently visited those in need disguised like his cousin had been as a beggar.

On the other hand, Tiberius was somewhat promiscuous having a concubine in addition to a lovely wife (Livia). He would end up having two daughters by the concubine and a daughter and two sons by Livia. In his will he directed all were to be looked after as his own legitimate children.

When Tiberius died at the age of 28 from a fever, he would be mourned by many in Rome. But many more rejoiced, albeit quietly, at his death.

 

[Geon]

In this small section we'll see how one of Caligula's acts of charity had future ramifications.

The Houses of Caligula​

As indicated in the hagiography Caligula had taken an interest in helping the unfortunate children of Rome whom for various reasons were abandoned by their parents.

To be sure, by the time of Caligula the Christian church in Rome was already doing an important work in rescuing many of these children from the trash heaps where they had been left to die of exposure.

For Caligula the situation was still intolerable. He ordered that houses should be set up throughout Rome where childless young widows would care for these children at the expense of the state. The idea was warmly received by the Christian church in Rome and many of those children rescued from exposure were brought to these houses to be cared for.

By all accounts at first the houses were extremely simple affairs. The widows would serve as surrogate mothers for the children until they were old enough to seek employment and support themselves. But things became slightly more complicated after the Great Riot and Fire of Rome.

The Emperor Tiberius and many of those in the military saw the houses not only as places where unwanted children could be raised but they saw those unwanted children as future leaders in a Christian Rome.

By the time Tiberius died these Houses of Caligula were staffed not only with “mothers” but also with teachers and slaves. The houses, at first simple, evolved during Tiberius’ reign into large villas, some of them located outside the city where the children that were rescued would receive top-notch care and education.

Many of those who left the homes once they were old enough immediately enlisted in the army. There they swore an oath of loyalty in “the name of God” that they would defend the Empire. Others would become teachers and lawyers in Rome or merchants. All of them were loyal both to their faith and to the Emperor.

By the time Tiberius died these Houses of Caligula were spreading beyond Rome into the rest of the Empire. And with them also the Christian faith continued to spread its influence to all strata of society.

 

[Geon]

And now for a slightly different take on a certain Roman.
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The Life of Nero, The Noble Clown​

During the reigns of both the Emperors Caligula and the Emperor Tiberius the life of one Nero Ahenobarbus Germanicus stands out in stark contrast to the austerity and piety of these two Emperors.

There is speculation among historians particularly alternate historians that if circumstances had been different Nero might have ascended the throne once Caligula was dead. There are hints dropped by the ancient writers that had Caligula not converted to Christianity it is likely Tiberius would have died and that Nero might have been Caligula’s choice to succeed him. Nero’s mother was the sister of Caligula, which gave him a spurious claim to the throne to be sure but a claim, nonetheless.

Nero’s parents, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina sought to have their son raised with a classical Roman education and hoped he would become a senator. To be sure, the accounts of Tacitus indicate that Nero was an excellent student and especially showed interest in the literature of the Greeks and of the Roman poets.

But Nero showed a total lack of interest in politics. Even though Agrippina tried to maneuver to get him elected into the Senate Nero showed very little interest in such matters preferring to devote himself to his three great loves; namely, chariot racing, poetry, and the theater.

Nero was extremely fond of the chariot races and attended them at every opportunity in his young life. Much to the horror of his mother Nero began to learn about chariot racing from one of the champions of the Circus Maximus. It was not long before he began to test his skills against other racers first at the Circus in Antium. And later, in Rome itself.

It greatly scandalized Agrippina that her son had chosen chariot racing as a career. This was not suitable for a future senator. Nevertheless, she is said to have attended every race that her son participated in until her death in the Great Riot and Fire. Eusebius would later record that she was stabbed by irate members of the crowd in the Circus Maximus after it was announced the Emperor Caligula was dead. It was believed she had given monetary support to the plot to assassinate the Emperor.

Nero stayed aloof and avoided participation in the Great Riot and Fire. But the incident allowed him to pursue another of his passions, that of poetry. Nero had studied the classic poets of both Rome and Greece. He sought to emulate their styles. Later developing a distinctive one of his own. During the riots Nero was a bystander to the events of those tumultuous days. After Tiberius II marched into Rome and quelled the violence with the Third Legion Nero would set the events of those days into prose writing what has become known as Ode to a Rome Consumed by Fire. The work is a long one and at times tedious, but it does furnish an interesting perspective from a firsthand observer to the events of those days of the riots and fires in late August of 39 A.D.

In the years following the rebuilding of Rome Nero became the undisputed champion of the Circus Maximus. His daring in the arena was hailed by all. One commentator said of him, “When Nero drove his chariot into the arena it seemed as if he left fear outside. It seemed as if he tempted death herself to embrace him every time he raced.”

As a result, Nero earned many patrons among the wealthy and powerful of Rome. Which allowed him to pursue even more his writing and his love of the theater.

Nero would attend the theater especially if classics such as Lysistrata or Electra were being performed. In addition to poetry he would also write plays three of which have survived to the modern day The Labors of Heracles, The Kidnapping of Helen (of Troy), and finally Agamemnon. The last is considered Nero’s greatest work and has developed quite a following among classical literary historians.

Nero was known as quite the darling of his upper-class patrons during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius II. While Tiberius was known mostly for his austerity and piety Nero was known for his ribald sense of humor. Nero wrote several very explicit love sonnets many of which have survived down to the present day to entertain his hosts and patrons at the various feasts he attended following the chariot races.

Nero sought to avoid the mistake he often accused his mother Agrippina of making, namely meddling in political matters. He assiduously in all his writings and actions steered clear of any sort of involvement in politics. When the Jupiter Riots occurred as at the Great Riot, Nero stood as an interested bystander and chose not to become involved. He would later declare the acts of the rioters to be “pure folly.” Although this comment is thought by many to be a way for Nero to distance himself from any hint that he was sympathetic with the rioters (which his writings plainly indicate he was).

Nero continued to worship the pagan gods of Rome all his life. While he doesn’t mention Christianity by name, he does refer to “those Stoic religions that would have us chaste and eating grass.” Nero did not consider himself a stoic. He was very much a hedonist and indulged himself in various sexual escapades with both sexes, which he also proceeded to write about in his rather voluminous Journal of Love Sonnets.

Although he had several love interests Nero did marry twice. His first wife, Drusilla bore him a son but died of a fever shortly thereafter. His second wife, Anna, is said to have been a former prostitute. She would commit suicide within a month of Nero’s death.

Nero’s fearlessness in racing would be in the end lead to his death. At a race in the Circus Maximus in 54 A.D. Nero attempted to cut off the chariot of another racer on the last turn of the course. His chariot wheel became locked with the other charioteer’s and both chariots were flipped over. Both Nero and the other charioteer would die of their injuries before the day was out.

Nero is said to have met the end with the same careless abandon he did all of life. When he learned he was dying from the attending physician he is said to have murmured, “What a great artist the world is losing in me.”

 

[Geon]

Someone asked about the spread of Christianity...
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The Spread of Christianity​

During the time of the reign of Caligula and Tiberius II Christianity continued to spread throughout the Empire. In the earlier years the faith was spread by the evangelization efforts of the Apostles and their disciples. But in the early years Christianity appealed more to the lower classes and slaves in the Empire. The idea of a better life awaiting beyond the present one greatly appealed to them. As a result, the number of converts from the lower classes and slaves was high. And while there is considerable evidence that there were quite a few converts from the middle and upper classes the numbers were disproportional at first.

This changed after the conversion of Caligula. Many in the upper classes began to see conversion to Christianity as a means of currying favor with the Emperor. As a result, many wealthy merchant families and nobility began to inquire and actively pursue entry into this new faith that the Emperor had converted to.

This brought its own problems. Early writings from the period have local church leaders bemoaning the fact that many of these “converts” were more interested in enriching themselves rather than seeking salvation.

In fact, Polycarp in one of his letters writes of one Roman noble, “He is just as apt to attend morning worship on the Lord’s day and then offer a sacrifice at the temple of Venus at evening.”

Many of these “new converts” had no problem blending their old pagan ways with the new faith. Something that was completely frowned upon by the leaders of the church.

It was quickly decided that some discipline had to be imposed. So, around 5 years after Caligula’s martyrdom church leaders began to demand a 1-year probation period for anyone desiring baptism into the faith. A potential new convert was to be catechized in the faith during this time and his behavior and lifestyle were to be observed by others in the church. Before his or her actual baptism took place, the presbyters would inquire of those who knew the catechumen best in the community whether he or she was being true to the faith. Only if an unambiguous report came back to the presbyters would they consent to the catechumen being baptized.

Even with such precautions however, early Christian leaders such as Irenaeus and Polycarp describe how the “flock constantly had to be purged of the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing,’ “referring to nominal Christians in the congregation.

In addition, the Houses of Caligula were fertile sources of converts. Within a decade of Caligula’s martyrdom these houses were springing up in major cities and towns throughout the Empire. They would become places of refuge for unwanted children and would produce a generation both zealous for their faith and for Rome.

To be sure, not all those whom came out of these Houses would remain in the Christian faith. There were a fair amount of “apostates.” But the large majority that came out of the Houses were devout in their faith and would become leaders both in the Christian Church and in the Empire.

In addition to evangelizing throughout the Empire, rather incidentally a new strategy developed for the expansion of the Empire. While some historical scholars believe this was a plan devised by the Emperor Tiberius II, evidence suggests that such a strategy actually developed almost by accident.

It came to be called, “A conquestum ad conversionem”, (English translation: From conversion to conquest).

As the Christian faith grew evangelists began making their way into the areas beyond the Empire. Specifically, into that area beyond Gaul to the east known as Germania and to the islands known as Britannia at the time. Evangelists would enter these areas and spend months or years trying to get to know the local tribes. Sometimes they would be welcomed, other times they would be killed. But where they were welcomed, they began to learn the ways and customs of these tribes.

In time many of these tribes would convert to the faith. The initial missionaries to the tribes would then send for others from the churches who had sent them who could help to better teach the faith. After these teachers came merchants who were interested in selling their goods to new potential customers and interested in any goods they had for trade. As churches in the “barbarian” areas grew so did markets for goods from the Empire. As trade began to increase so did a need to protect trade routes with these friendly tribes thus calling for Roman legions to protect the trade caravans from hostile tribes.

It might take several years but very soon these tribes would find themselves inundated with Roman goods and indistinguishable in many ways from other Roman communities. By this point most of those in these tribes would simply take the next step and petition for Roman citizenship. By this time such a step was merely a formality in many cases.

For the most part this method of “conversion to conquest” was peaceful. But there were exceptions. The most notable of which were the Druids’ Wars which erupted in Britannia as the old order of religions there fought against this newcomer.

Nevertheless, this means, although apparently inadvertent allowed the Roman Empire to spread east of the Rhine and eventually form the province of Germania and allowed the Empire to claim the southern part of Britannia as a province.