Elagabalus

Full Name: Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus
Profession: Roman Emperor

Biography: Elagabalus ruled the Roman Empire from 218 to 222 CE. He became emperor at the young age of 14 and was known for his controversial religious practices and reportedly unconventional behavior.

Born in Syria around 204 CE, Elagabalus came from a prominent Arab family. As a youth, he served as a high priest of Elagabal, a Syrian sun god. In 218 CE, through a plot orchestrated by his grandmother, he was elevated to the position of Roman emperor.

Upon becoming emperor, Elagabalus brought the worship of Elagabal to Rome. He attempted to make Elagabal the chief deity of the Roman pantheon, placing the god above Jupiter. This move caused significant religious controversy among the Roman people.

Elagabalus's personal life was the subject of much gossip and scandal. He reportedly married and divorced several women, including a Vestal Virgin, which was considered sacrilegious. There were also accounts of him cross-dressing and engaging in prostitution.

During his short reign, Elagabalus alienated many powerful groups in Roman society, including the Praetorian Guard and the Roman elite. His behavior and religious reforms were seen as increasingly erratic and offensive to traditional Roman values.

In 222 CE, at the age of 18, Elagabalus was assassinated after only four years as emperor. Immediately afterwards body was reportedly dragged through the streets of Rome and thrown into the Tiber River.

Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Died: March 11, 222
Cause of Death: Assassination