Proto'genes
(
Πρωτογένης), the chief instrument of the cruelties of the emperor Caligula, used to carry about him two books, one called
the stuord, and the other
the dagger, in which were entered the names of the persons destined for death.
These books were found, after the emperor's death, in his secret depositaries. They were burnt by order of Claudius, who likewise put Protogenes to death. (
D. C. 59.26,
60.4;
Suet. Cal. 27 ;
Oros. 7.5.)