Caligula was a Roman Emperor who ruled from AD 37 to AD 41. Born as Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, he was the son of Germanicus, a popular general. Caligula is often remembered for his eccentric and tyrannical behavior, which included lavish spending and cruel acts against his enemies. His reign began with popularity, but it quickly deteriorated due to his unpredictable actions. Caligula's rule was marked by a series of controversial decisions, including the appointment of his horse, Incitatus, as a senator. His reign ended when he was assassinated by members of the Roman Senate, leading to a brief period of chaos before the rise of Claudius as the next emperor.