What was the cause of death of Incitatus Caligulas horse?

Incitatus, the chariot racing stallion of the Roman Emperor Caligula, had a life marked by unusual honors and a tragic end. A lengthy obsession with the horse even led Caligula to adorn him with rights and titles usually reserved for humans. This essay delves into the circumstances surrounding Incitatus's death and the events that led to his beheading.

Caligula's Passion for Incitatus

Roman history books attest to the extraordinary devotion of the Emperor Caligula (AD 37-41) to his horse Incitatus. The horse, originally named Porcellus (meaning little pig) by its original handler, was later renamed to Incitatus by Caligula in honor of his swift speed.

Caligula's affection for Incitatus went beyond simple admiration; he granted it citizenship, senatorial privileges, and even considered nominating it for a consulship. These unusual accolades highlight the lengths to which Caligula was willing to go to please his cherished steed, even though it was a chariot horse, a common working animal.

Incitatus's Legacy

Incitatus was known for his exceptional racing skills, and it's mentioned that he had never lost a race. His aura of invincibility and the excessive attention lavished upon him by the emperor are the primary reasons even today, nearly two millennia later, his name is remembered in historical records. It is for this legacy, more than his actual feats, that Incitatus has achieved notoriety.

A significant reason for Incitatus's popularity and potential downfall was his continued good fortune. His success in races and subsequent honor may have fostered a sense of entitlement or even a disdain for his duties as a war-horse or racing stallion. Some accounts suggest that Incitatus eventually grew tired of his privileges, ultimately turning on Caligula in response to his treatment.

A Fateful Confrontation

The account of Incitatus's rebellion against Caligula is shrouded in legend and might be a fictionalized narrative. Some sources claim that after turning on the emperor, Incitatus savaged him severely before his end. This alleged act of futility or defiance, however, is what precipitated the emperor's swift and ferocious reaction.

Caligula, quick to suppress rebellion, immediately and ruthlessly beheaded Incitatus. The repercussions of his actions against Incitatus reflected the unpredictable and violent nature of his reign. Even the revered and beloved animals faced the fate of the unworthy in Caligula's eyes.

Reflections on Incitatus and Caligula

The tragic end of Incitatus serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable and often ruthless nature of power. It reflects the fine line between the adoration of a pet and the abuse of authority. Incitatus, through his unwavering success and the affection it earned him, reached a pinnacle of privilege that turned out to be both a blessing and a curse.

The story of Incitatus and Caligula provides a fascinating glimpse into the eccentricities and extremes of an emperor's rule. It is a cautionary tale of the consequences of subjecting animals to the whims of human rulers, mere mortals who often fail to treat them with the compassion and dignity they deserve.