Elagabalus tetradrachm, 24.5 mm, 12 g RPC VI №: 7948 (temporary) Reign: Elagabalus (Augustus) City: Uncertain mint of the Syrian Tetradrachms Region: Syria Province: Syria Coele Obverse: ΑΝΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΑΥΤ Κ Μ Α; laureate head of Elagabalus, left, with drapery Reverse: ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟϹ ΤΟ Β Δ Ε; eagle standing facing, head left, holding wreath in beak and spreading wings; star between legs | L5

A classic depiction of Roman decadence, a subject that was popular in Victorian times! The painting illustrates an episode in the life of the emperor Elagabalus (or Heliogabalus) taken from the book Augusta Historia: “In a banqueting-room with a reversible ceiling he once buried his guests in violets and other flowers, so that some were actually smothered to death, being unable to crawl out to the top.” Did this really happen? Probably not, the author of the book written in 4th century uses exag

The Craziest Roman Emperor You’ve Never Heard Of | Elagabalus, the Teenage Tyrant At just 14 years old, Elagabalus became Emperor of Rome — and chaos followed. He ruled with lust, cruelty, and absurdity, turning the empire into his personal playground. From appointing officials by the size of their genitals to chaining women to chariots, releasing snakes on crowds, and even prostituting himself in disguise — Elagabalus redefined what it meant to be a mad ruler. His wild reign ended at just 18 —