Elagabalus was never supposed to rule. As a minor member of the Severan dynasty, there were others who were more likely to sit on the throne; he was just a first cousin once removed of Emperor Caracalla. In fact, if Caracalla hadn’t been assassinated, Elagabalus would have been just another footnote in history. Instead, we are left with one of Ancient Rome’s most infamous leaders.
Born Varius Avitus Bassianus in 203 or 204 CE in Syria, the future emperor’s name came from his position as high priest to the sun god Elagabal. It was Caracalla’s assassination that led him to becoming emperor at the age of 14 in 218. Elagabalus’ grandmother started the rumour that he was Caracalla’s illegitimate son and the Senate believed it. Machinations like this were part and parcel of imperial Roman life. What wasn’t is what allegedly followed.
After putting down two rebellions in the east, one of Elagabalus’ first acts was reportedly to send a painting of himself
