Join FunTrivia for Free: Hourly trivia games, quizzes, community, and more!
Fun Trivia
Ask FunTrivia: Questions and Answers
Answers to 100,000 Fascinating Questions
Welcome to FunTrivia's Question & Answer forum!

Search All Questions


Please cite any factual claims with citation links or references from authoritative sources. Editors continuously recheck submissions and claims.

Archived Questions

Goto Qn #


What was the cause of death of Incitatus, Caligula's horse?

Question #127166. Asked by lolleyjay.
Last updated Apr 10 2023.
Originally posted Oct 11 2012 9:27 PM.

avatar
gtho4 star
Answer has 4 votes
Currently Best Answer
gtho4 star
Moderator
25 year member
2406 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
The horse was beheaded.

INCITATUS & Caligula
By Cheryl R. Lutring

Few horses have ruled an empire. Less have been considered as marriage partners by ancient emperors. But such was the fate of Incitatus. His owner, the Roman Emperor Caligula, (AD 37-41) infamous for his psychotic extremes, was consistent in at least one aspect his devotion to his horse. Albeit sometimes this particular passion took a turn that was not necessarily to the benefit of the animal. Just as his father, Tiberius, had favored a pet dragon, so Caligula s darling was his best racing horse.

The original stable name of the stallion was Porcellus, which meant little pig but Caligula thought this unsuitable and renamed him in recognition of his swift-speeding as Incitatus. Incitatus was a chariot racing stallion of no mean repute. It is said he never lost a race ...

Caligula was so excessively fond of him that he made him first a Citizen of Rome and then a senator, and nominated him as a future candidate for the coveted Consulship. Maybe his perceived intention to so honor the horse was merely an ironic indication of his view of the unworthiness of the men in the government. Perhaps it is for this last distinction that Incitatus name has passed down through the historical record.

Some sources report that eventually Incitatus tired of his duties and privileges and, reverting perhaps to the implication of his original name Little Pig, turned on Caligula, savaging him severely. Caligula was swift with retaliation and beheaded his treasured Incitatus. Such can be the fate of the unwise favorites of the powerful.

horseshowcentral.com/flex/incitatus_caligula/274/1 [no longer exists]


Response last updated by gtho4 on Apr 10 2023.
Oct 11 2012, 9:45 PM
free email trivia FREE! Get a new mixed Fun Trivia quiz each day in your email. It's a fun way to start your day!


arrow Your Email Address:

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion