Elagabalus, Roman emperor (b. 203)

Known formally as Antoninus, and sometimes by the Hellenized moniker Heliogabalus, the young Roman emperor who reigned from 218 to 222 CE was born around 204 CE and met his untimely end on March 11 or 12, 222 CE. Primarily remembered by the Latinized name of his deity, **Elagabalus** ascended to the highest office while still in his early teens, a brief reign notoriously marked by sexual scandals and profound religious upheaval. Hailing from a distinguished Arab family in Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria), he was a close relation to the powerful Severan dynasty. From a very young age, he served as the venerated head priest of the local sun god, Elagabal. His path to power was orchestrated by his formidable grandmother, Julia Maesa. Following the assassination of his cousin, Emperor Caracalla, and the subsequent short-lived rule of Macrinus, Maesa instigated an army revolt. This led to the proclamation of **Elagabalus** as *princeps* at just 14 years old. While likely born Varius Avitus Bassianus, he adopted the imperial name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus upon his ascension, with the name *Elagabalus* attaching itself to him primarily after his death, derived from the deity he so ardently served.

A Reign of Unprecedented Controversy

The four years of **Elagabalus**'s rule are largely characterized by a stark disregard for established Roman religious traditions and social norms, particularly those concerning sexuality. As the high priest of the sun god Elagabal, he controversially elevated his deity to the supreme position within the Roman pantheon, effectively supplanting Jupiter, the traditional king of the gods. He didn't merely introduce his god; he actively compelled leading figures within Rome's government to participate in elaborate religious rites dedicated to Elagabal, often presiding over these ceremonies himself. This radical religious shift, coupled with his personal conduct, deeply shocked Roman society.

His personal life fueled much of the scandal. **Elagabalus** married four women during his brief reign, most notably taking a Vestal Virgin as his bride—an act considered sacrilegious and an affront to Roman custom, punishable by death for the Vestal. Beyond his marriages, he openly lavished favors on male courtiers, many of whom were widely believed to be his lovers. There were even reports, sensational for the time, that he engaged in prostitution. Such behavior alienated virtually every powerful faction in Rome: the formidable **Praetorian Guard**, the venerable Senate, and even the general populace, leading to a climate of deep disaffection and opposition.

Assassination and a Tarnished Legacy

Amidst this escalating opposition and public outrage, **Elagabalus**'s reign met an abrupt and violent end. At just 18 years old, he was assassinated in March 222 CE. The plot against him was masterminded by his very own grandmother, Julia Maesa, who had originally engineered his rise to power. Disaffected members of the **Praetorian Guard** carried out the assassination, swiftly replacing him with his cousin, Severus Alexander. **Elagabalus**’s contemporaries developed a lasting reputation for him characterized by extreme eccentricity, rampant decadence, zealous religious fervor, and considerable sexual promiscuity. This infamy endured for centuries, leading many early modern historians to brand him with one of the worst reputations among all Roman emperors.

Eminent historians have offered scathing assessments. Edward Gibbon famously wrote that **Elagabalus** "abandoned himself to the grossest pleasures with ungoverned fury," painting a picture of unchecked hedonism. Barthold Georg Niebuhr went even further, declaring that "the name **Elagabalus** is branded in history above all others" due to his "unspeakably disgusting life." More contemporary scholars, like Adrian Goldsworthy, provide a nuanced, though still critical, view, stating, "**Elagabalus** was not a tyrant, but he was an incompetent, probably the least able emperor Rome had ever had." Yet, despite this near-universal condemnation, a few voices have offered a different perspective. The 6th-century Roman chronicler John Malalas, for example, wrote of him with a degree of warmth. Modern historian Warwick Ball described him as innovative and, perhaps more sympathetically, "a tragic enigma lost behind centuries of prejudice," suggesting there might be more to his story than the traditional, often hostile, accounts convey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elagabalus

Who was Elagabalus?
Elagabalus was a Roman emperor who reigned from 218 to 222 CE. He was a close relative of the Severan dynasty and served as the head priest of the sun god Elagabal in Emesa, Syria, before becoming emperor at a very young age.
When did Elagabalus rule?
He ruled as Roman emperor for a relatively short period, from 218 CE to 222 CE, starting his reign at just 14 years old.
What was Elagabalus most famous (or infamous) for?
Elagabalus is most infamous for his controversial religious reforms, particularly his attempt to replace Jupiter with his sun god Elagabal as the chief deity of Rome, and for numerous personal scandals involving his marriages (including a Vestal Virgin) and rumored sexual escapades, which shocked traditional Roman society.
How did Elagabalus die?
He was assassinated at the age of 18 in March 222 CE. His grandmother, Julia Maesa, orchestrated the plot, and the **Praetorian Guard**, alienated by his behavior, carried out the assassination, replacing him with his cousin, Severus Alexander.
Why is Elagabalus sometimes called Heliogabalus?
The name Heliogabalus is a Hellenized (Greek-influenced) form of Elagabalus, which became a common way to refer to him, often used in later historical accounts, especially those critical of his reign. His official imperial name was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.