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

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.

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 ...