Caligula
Emperor Caligula was the first emperor who compared himself to god and called himself like that. What’s more, he allowed himself bizarre decisions, including appointing his horse a senator. About Caligula’s favourite horse (Incitatus, meaning “swift” or “at full gallop”) writes Suetonius in “About the Life of the Caesars”. According to the Roman writer, the animal had 18 servants who cared for it.
The steed lived in a marble stable, walked in a harness decorated with precious stones, and ate from an ivory manger. He was fed oat mixed with gold flakes. Whether this diet suited him is not known.
In addition, Caligula often dressed in women’s clothes and performed in public.
Sources
- Suetonius, Caligula
