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Elagabalus (AD218-222) Denarius. 221 AD

$ 81.84

Availability: 100 in stock

Description

Ольга Чижевская
Elagabalus (AD218-222) Denarius. 221 AD. Horned, laureate, and draped bust right IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG / Elagabalus standing left sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar and holding branch, star left PM TR P IIII COS III P P, RIC 46, RSC 196, BMC 256
Later historians suggest that Elagabalus displayed disregard for Roman religious traditions and sexual taboos. He replaced the traditional head of the Roman pantheon of Jupiter with the deity Elagabalus, of which he was high priest. He forced the leading members of the Roman government to participate in religious ceremonies dedicated to this deity, which he personally directed. Elagabalus was reportedly "married" up to five times and graciously rendered a favor to the male courtiers whom he considered to be his lovers. It was also reported that he was engaged in prostitution at the Imperial Palace. His behavior alienated the Praetorian Guard, the Senate, and ordinary people. Amid growing opposition to Elagabal, he was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander on March 11, 222. The conspiracy against Elagabal was proposed by his grandmother Julia Meisa and carried out by disgruntled members of the Praetorian Guard.