Caligula was born into an illustrious Roman family. His father was Germanicus, a hugely popular and talented general, who, before his early death, was seen as the natural heir of the reigning Augustus. Caligula was a fond nickname meaning "Little Boots" (his real name was Gaius), given to him by the soldiers in Germanicus' legions who loved to see the young boy in the camps dressed in a military uniform. When the cruel and unpopular Emperor Tiberius (who had succeeded Augustus) died, Caligula was swept into office on a wave of good will. But Caligula turned out to be the most insane Caesar of Rome. His evil deeds surpassed both Tiberius, who reigned immediately before him, or Nero, who ruled shortly after.