New research reveals the infamous Roman tyrant Caligula possessed extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, possibly for both healing and self-defense, according to historians.

But when the senator asks Caligula to extend his leave, the emperor has him executed, quipping that “a bloodletting was necessary for one whom hellebore had not benefited in all that time”.

Caligula, the ancient Roman emperor infamous for his insanity and cruelty, may have had a soft spot for plants, according to recently published research. A new study co-authored by Trevor Luke, a ...

According to the 2nd century text, an unknown Roman senator who rose to the high rank of praetor once requested that Caligula grant him a leave of absence due to an undescribed ailment.

Caligula, the notoriously erratic Roman emperor known for his bloodthirsty cruelty, probably also possessed a nerd’s knowledge of medicinal plants, according to a new Yale study. The study ...

There’s no rehabilitating the reputation of Caligula. The 1st-century C.E. Roman Emperor has gone down in the annals of history accused of deeply transgressive behavior, to say nothing of his ...

Science Roman Emperor Caligula had an unexpected interest in medicinal plants, historians find By Andrea Margolis, Fox News Published July 21, 2025, 7:32 a.m. ET ...

The notoriously cruel Roman emperor Caligula may have been quite knowledgeable about medicinal plants, a new study suggests. Emperor Gaius, nicknamed Caligula, was the third ruler of the Roman ...

When the senator asked Caligula if he could stay longer, the much-hated leader had him executed — claiming it was "necessary, for one whom hellebore had not benefited in all that time." ...