What is Elagabalus known for?

Elagabalus, also spelled Heliogabalus, byname of Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, original name Varius Avitus Bassianus, (born probably 203, Emesa, Syria—died March 11, 222, Rome), Roman emperor from 218 to 222, notable chiefly for his eccentric behaviour.

What did Elagabalus do as emperor?

As a high priest Elagabalus made plans to replace the old, traditional religion of Rome with that of his own – the worship of Elagabal. This Syrian god was even to replace the supreme god of Roman mythology – Jupiter.

How did Elagabalus get power?

Rise to power Coin minted by Elegabalus to celebrate Legio III Gallica, which supported Elagabalus bid for power. When the Emperor Macrinus came to power he exiled Julia Maesa, her two daughters, and her eldest grandson, Elagabalus, to her estate at Emesa in Syria.

How long was Elagabalus reign?

four years
From that moment, his short, chaotic reign would scandalize Rome. Lurid sexual encounters, extravagant stunts and parties, and, in a dramatic break with Roman tradition, forced worship of Elah-Gabal in spectacular public rituals marked his four years on the throne.

What was the story of the emperor Elagabalus?

From tales of oriental decadence including smothering banquet quests to death beneath a cascade of rose petals and sexual perversity and religious eccentricities, the truth of this young emperor is frequently veiled by scandal. The story of Elagabalus’ rise begins with a lie.

Where did the cult of elagabalos start and end?

The cult of the deity spread to other parts of the Roman Empire in the second century, where he would be revered as Elagabalos (Ἐλαγάβαλος Elagábalos) by the Greeks and Elagabalus by the Romans. For example, a dedication has been found as far away as Woerden, in the modern-day Netherlands.

Why did Elagabalus walk around with black eyes?

The senator and historian Cassius Dio describes how Elagabalus referred to Hierocles as his ‘husband’, and delighted in walking around with black eyes after insisting that his brutish lover should beat him up. But even all this was apparently not enough to sate the Emperor’s strange desires.

How many times was Elagabalus said to have been married?

Elagabalus was supposedly “married” as many as five times, and lavished favours on male courtiers popularly thought to have been his lovers. He was also reported to have prostituted himself in the imperial palace. His behavior estranged the Praetorian Guard, the Senate, and the common people alike.