Ask AI: Was emperor Caligula evil?

It is difficult to definitively label an individual from history as "evil," as this term is subjective and morally loaded. However, Emperor Caligula is often portrayed as cruel, extravagant, and power-hungry. Known for his erratic behavior, he undertook numerous brutal actions during his reign, such as public executions and torture. Historical accounts describe Caligula as paranoid and ruthless, even towards his own family members (accused of the murder of his cousin, among others). He was also known for his excessive spending and mismanagement of the Roman Empire's finances. Many of these accounts, though, come from sources that emerged after his death and may be exaggerated or biased, so it's important to remember that our understanding of historical figures is often shaped by the sources that we have at our disposal. Nonetheless, based on the accounts available, it is safe to say that Emperor Caligula acted in ways that are often associated with cruelty, tyranny, and hubris. Whether or not one considers him "evil" might depend on their individual perspective and interpretation of the events.