Some scholars argue that Caligula’s treatment of Incitatus was less about actual political appointments and more about reinforcing the emperor’s divine status. Caligula was known for presenting himself as a god, and by making extravagant gestures like this one, he could have been signaling to the Roman people and the Senate that his authority was beyond reproach. In a way, by placing a horse in the highest positions of power, Caligula was saying that his rule was so uncontested that even the most absurd actions were possible.
Historical Skepticism
Despite the accounts from ancient historians, there is significant skepticism about the truth of this story. Many modern scholars believe that Caligula's supposed plan to appoint his horse as a senator might have been an exaggeration or a product of later historical embellishment. The sources that mention this incident were written years, or even decades, after Caligula's death. Suetonius, for example, wrote his account in the early second century AD, nearly a century after Caligula’s assassination. As a result, it is possible that these stories were exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Furthermore, the ancient authors who wrote about Caligula’s reign were often hostile towards him. Suetonius and Dio were both critical of Caligula, and they may have sensationalized his behavior to further emphasize his perceived madness and cruelty. As with many historical accounts, the interpretation of events can be influenced by the biases of the author. shutdown123