Abstract
This paper re-examines the relationship between Caligula and his three sisters Agrippina, Drusilla, and Livilla, during the final years of the reign of Tiberius (AD 14-37) and the reign of Caligula himself (AD 37-41). It argues that the relationship between Caligula and his sisters has been grossly misrepresented by a hostile historiographical tradition, that Caligula did not commit incest with any of his sisters, and that he was no fonder of Drusilla during her lifetime than he was of either of his other two sisters. Caligula sought to compensate for his failure to display any public affection towards his immediate family during the final years of Tiberius by showering honours upon his sisters following his accession, but the worst possible interpretation was placed upon this behaviour.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Frères et sœurs dans l’Antiquité gréco-romaine Réflexions autour d’un lien familial |
| Editors | A. Bielman, L. Dubosson-Sbriglione |
| Place of Publication | Neuchâtel, Suisse |
| Pages | 229-247 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Caligula
- Drusilla
- sister
- incest
