ABSTRACT
BECAUSE OF THE distortions in the historical tradition, it is very difficult to determine to what degree Caligula might be considered mentally and physically fit for the task of being emperor. It does appear that in his early years he suffered from delicate health. He was prone to epileptic fits, and Augustus was concerned enough in AD 14 to appoint two doctors to accompany him when he travelled north to join his parents. As he grew older, his strength gradually improved, but fainting fits still at times made it difficult for him to walk or stay standing up.1 There are signs that he continued to be troubled by various ailments as an adult, such as his serious illness in 38, and his stomach-ache on the day of his death, but he was hearty enough to make the arduous journey north in 39, and to amuse himself racing chariots in his own private race-course in Rome.
