THE LIFE OF CALIGULA is one of the most important ancient sources of history for the early Imperial period, as well as the life of Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, known as Caligula. Caligula ('little boots') was the son of popular Roman general Germanicus, the adopted heir of Tiberius. After succeeding Tiberius in 37 AD, Caligula proved to be one of the most depraved of Rome's emperors; his cruelty, sexual depravity, and amorality have become legendary due to Suetonius' unflattering recounting of his life. Caligula was assassinated in 41 AD.