As he walked down a passage between two of the properties that were part of the growing ‘palace complex’ (already far more extensive than Augustus’ relatively modest accommodation), the three praetorians, NCOs in our terms, attacked him. A personal grudge reputedly drove the leader, Cassius Chaerea. He had often acted as the emperor’s agent, torturer and enforcer, but Gaius in return is supposed to have repeatedly and publicly mocked his effeminacy (‘girlie’ was one of the favourite taunts). This was Chaerea’s revenge.
