Who were the parents of Roman emperor Elagabalus?
Elagabalus was born to Sextus Varius Marcellus and Julia Soaemias Bassiana. His family belonged to the Emesene dynasty of Syria, a prominent Arab lineage based in Emesa.
Questions about Elagabalus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Elagabalus become emperor of Rome?
Elagabalus declared himself emperor on the 16th of May 218 at age fourteen. He defeated Macrinus at the Battle of Antioch on the 8th of June 218 to secure his rule.
What religious reforms did Elagabalus implement during his reign?
Elagabalus installed the sun god Elagabal as the chief deity of the Roman pantheon at the end of 220. He built the Elagabalium temple on the Palatine Hill to house the black conical meteorite known as a baetyl.
How many times was Elagabalus married according to historical records?
Cassius Dio states that Elagabalus was married to women five times including twice to the same woman. He also had male partners named Hierocles and Zoticus who were described as husbands or chamberlains.
Why was Elagabalus assassinated by the Praetorian Guard?
Julia Maesa arranged for her grandson Severus Alexander to replace Elagabalus when popular support waned in 221. Soldiers attacked the emperor and his mother Julia Soaemias on the 13th of March 222 after demanding to see both boys.