Episode 22: The Rise of Caligula

After Tiberius' death, Gaius (Caligula) comes to the throne. In a brilliant move, he secures the ashes of his persecuted and deceased family members and accompanies them to the mausoleum of Augustus. The crowds are overjoyed with the promise of this young new princeps. For Vitellius in Syria, his impending military action is paused, pending orders from Gaius.      SHOWNOTES: Oath to Caligula (11 May 37 CE) On the 11th day of May, in the consulship of Gaius Cestius and Marcus Servilius, in the presence of Gaius Ummidius Durmius Quadratus, governor of the province, the citizens of Aritium swear this oath: I shall be an enemy to those whom I know to be enemies of Gaius Caesar Germanicus. I shall neither allow harm to come to him nor to those of his household, and I shall not conceal anyone who intends harm against him. I shall report such persons to Gaius Caesar Germanicus and to those whom he commands. I shall protect his life, his safety, and his power, as far as I am able, with good faith and without deceit or evasion. I shall regard as friends those whom he regards as friends, and as enemies those whom he regards as enemies. If I knowingly violate this oath, may I suffer destruction, myself and my property; if I keep it faithfully, may I prosper. --CIL II, 172, discovered in Lusitania (modern Portugal). https://www.judaism-and-rome.org/printpdf/oath-allegiance-caligula-gaius-lusitania-cil-ii-172