Elagabalus 

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, 218 - 222

The great-nephew of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, Elagabalus was born (Varius Avitus Bassianus) in Emesa in 204. His mother, Julia Soaemias, spread a rumour that her son was actually the son of the murdered emperor Caracalla. This is most unlikely to have been true, but it inspired the troops stationed around Emesa to proclaim the boy as emperor in opposition to Macrinus. He was high priest of the sun-god Elagabaal, hence the name by which he is known to history. his troops defeated the armies of Macrinus, and the young Elagabalus was accepted as emperor by the senate. His reign was one of ever increasing depravity and cruelty. Religious intolerance reached a level never heard of before. He was murdered along with his mother by the Praetorians.

 

AR Denarius

Obv : Draped,  laureate bust of Elagabalus, right.
IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG

Rev : Emperor standing  left, holding patera, making sacrifice over an altar, sun in field.
SVMMVS SACERDOS (AVG)

 RIC 1466, AD218 - 222  

The reverse shows Elagabalus in his role of high priest of the sun god.

 

AR Denarius

Obv : Draped,  laureate  bust of Elagabalus, right.
IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG

Rev : Emperor standing  right, holding club and patera, making sacrifice over an altar, sun in  field.
SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB

 RIC 131, AD218 - 222  

The reverse shows Elagabalus in his role of high priest of the sun god.

 

AR Denarius

Obv : Draped,  laureate and horned bust of Elagabalus, right.
IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG

Rev : Emperor standing  left, holding patera, making sacrifice over an altar, sun in field.
SVMMVS SACERDOS (AVG)

 RIC 1466, AD218 - 222  

The reverse shows Elagabalus in his role of high priest of the sun god.

Note the 'horn' (a symbol of divinity) on the emperor's head. Recent research suggests that the 'horn' is actually a bull's penis. Was Elagabalus the original dickhead?