Page "Caligula" Paragraph 10

As a boy of just two or three, Gaius accompanied his father, Germanicus, on campaigns in the north of Germania.

The soldiers were amused that Gaius was dressed in a miniature soldier's uniform, including boots and armor.

He was soon given his nickname Caligula, meaning " little ( soldier's ) boot " in Latin, after the small boots he wore as part of his uniform.

Gaius, though, reportedly grew to dislike this nickname.