Elagabalus: Rome’s Scandalous 14 Year Old Transgender Emperor, Rome’s Forgotten Cross-Dressing Emperor and Scandalous Orgies. The Craziest Emperor You’ve Never Heard Of — 20 Mind-Blowing Facts.

At just 14 years old, he became emperor,

thrust into a position of immense power and responsibility. However, his reign was short-lived, and at the age of 18, Elagabalus met a violent end at the hands of his own soldiers, marking the conclusion of a tumultuous chapter in Roman history.

His dress sense was absolutely wild, He wore tunics made entirely from gold or purple gold, gem-studded Persian dress, and a jewel-studded diadem and shoes. He would often appear in public dressed in the traditional robes of a Syrian priest (hardly surprising, given that this was his occupation before his was emperor); and he is frequently described as wearing makeup and cross-dressing.

Interestingly, the historian Cassius Dio tells us that Elagabalus offered doctors vast sums of money to create him a vagina by means of incision. True, this could just be slander meant to tarnish Elagabalus’ reputation, but it could also reflect a reality regarding his liminal approach to gender.

Challenging Conventional Norms

Accounts of Elagabalus’s reign often highlight his non-conformity to traditional Roman values and societal norms. It is mentioned that he engaged in behaviors that were considered unconventional, including:

• Engaging in sexual activities with individuals of both genders
• Allegedly disguising himself to frequent brothels and seek out sexual partners
• Multiple marriages and divorces, including unions with men
• Speculations about his gender identity and the nature of his relationships

Rose-Petal Orgies: Elagabalus is said to have hosted extravagant parties where rose petals were showered upon guests, creating a spectacle reminiscent of modern foam parties. However, these events took a dark turn as several revelers were reportedly smothered beneath the petals, unable to escape the suffocating mass.

Cross-Dressing and Feminine Behavior: Elagabalus’s fascination with feminine attire and behavior was well-documented. He reportedly dressed as the goddess Venus, adorning himself with crowns, makeup, and luxurious garments. He also adopted feminine grooming practices, including the removal of body and facial hair, and even bathed with women. These behaviors, along with his decadent lifestyle, contributed to his perception as effeminate by Roman chroniclers.

Flower Shower: On one occasion, Elagabalus took his love of flowers to extreme heights by releasing tons of blooms from the ceiling of a room during a party. The deluge of petals covered his guests entirely, leading to some unfortunate individuals being smothered by the floral onslaught. Some guests reportedly even perished under the weight of the flowers, unable to escape the suffocating mass while the emperor watched on, seemingly amused by the chaos.

Establishment of the Senaculum: According to accounts from Historia Augusta, Elagabalus purportedly established a “senaculum” or women’s senate on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. This move was highly unusual, as the Roman Senate was traditionally reserved for men.

Reputation for Cruelty: Elagabalus was accused of engaging in cruel and macabre practices, including alleged human sacrifices. According to some accounts, he would seek out young aristocratic men and subject them to torture and disembowelment in the presence of magicians. However, the veracity of these claims is questioned by historians, as they are not corroborated by other sources.

Extravagant Dress Sense: Elagabalus’s fashion choices were as extravagant as his behavior. He was known for donning elaborate attire, including tunics made entirely of gold or purple gold, gem-studded Persian garments, and jewel-studded accessories. He often appeared in public dressed as a Syrian priest, a nod to his previous occupation before ascending to the throne.

Potential Transgender Identity: Historian Cassius Dio suggests that Elagabalus offered substantial sums of money to doctors in exchange for creating a vagina through surgery. While this claim may be intended to tarnish Elagabalus’s reputation, it raises questions about his gender identity and his unconventional approach to gender expression.

Inglorious End: Elagabalus’s reign came to a tumultuous end when his own grandmother, Julia Maesa, conspired to replace him with his cousin Severus Alexander. Faced with mounting opposition and fearing for his life, Elagabalus made elaborate preparations for his own demise, including constructing a tower for a potential suicide and preparing poisons mixed with precious stones.

Here are some random Facts you may never heard before.

Early Life as a Priest: Elagabalus, originally known as Varius Avitus Bassianus, served as a high priest of the sun god Elagabal before ascending to the throne.

Controversial Gender Identity: Historical accounts suggest that Elagabalus challenged traditional gender norms, expressing a desire for a gender transition, an aspect that continues to intrigue scholars and historians.

Extravagant Dress Sense: Elagabalus was known for his extravagant attire, often adorning himself in opulent and ostentatious clothing, including gold and gem-studded garments.

Alleged Cross-Dressing: The emperor’s penchant for cross-dressing and wearing makeup challenged societal norms of masculinity in ancient Rome.

Shocking Rumors of Human Sacrifice: Despite being a point of contention among historians, there are claims of Elagabalus engaging in cruel human sacrifices, although the veracity of these allegations remains uncertain.

Outrageous Behavior: Elagabalus’ reign was marked by scandalous behavior, including controversial marriages, orgies, and lavish displays of excess.

Family Intrigue: His grandmother, Julia Maesa, played a pivotal role in his downfall, orchestrating the rise of his cousin, Severus Alexander, ultimately leading to Elagabalus’ demise.

Political Unpopularity: Elagabalus faced significant opposition from the Senate and the military, with his rule being marred by internal strife and dissent.

Tumultuous Succession Planning: Fearful of being overthrown, Elagabalus made elaborate plans for his own assassination, reflecting the paranoia and instability of his reign.

Enduring Legacy: Despite his short and controversial reign, Elagabalus’ legacy continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts, offering insights into the complexities of ancient Roman society.

Religious Reforms: Elagabalus sought to elevate the status of the deity Elagabal to a prominent position within the Roman pantheon, leading to significant religious reforms during his rule.

Eccentric Personal Habits: The emperor’s reported fascination with luxurious indulgences, unique religious practices, and extravagant displays of wealth contributed to his enigmatic persona.

Controversial Marriages: Elagabalus’ marriage to a Vestal Virgin and subsequent unions with both male and female partners stirred significant controversy and scandal within Roman society.

Allegations of Corruption: Accusations of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds were leveled against Elagabalus and his mother, further tarnishing their reputation.

Legacy of Notoriety: Elagabalus’ reign, characterized by its tumult and scandal, has solidified his status as one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in Roman history.

Complex Family Dynamics: The influence of Elagabalus’ mother and grandmother, alongside his own controversial actions, contributed to the intricate and volatile dynamics of his rule.

Perceived Psychosis: Accounts suggest that Elagabalus’ behavior, including his alleged desire for self-castration and extreme contingency planning for his own death, point to potential psychological instability.

Historical Interpretation: The portrayal of Elagabalus in historical texts and contemporary interpretations continues to evoke fascination and debate, reflecting the enduring intrigue surrounding his reign.

Cultural Impact: The unconventional and scandalous nature of Elagabalus’ rule has left a lasting impression on popular culture, inspiring various literary and artistic works that seek to explore his complex persona.

Historical Significance: Despite the controversies surrounding his reign, the legacy of Elagabalus offers valuable insights into the intersection of power, gender, and religious dynamics in ancient Rome, prompting ongoing scholarly exploration and debate.

While Elagabalus’s reign is often cited as one of the worst in Roman history, he is not alone in his infamy.

Here are ten rulers from various civilizations who are also remembered for their oppressive, erratic, or tyrannical rule:

Caligula (Roman Empire): Notorious for his cruelty, extravagance, and megalomania, Caligula’s reign was marked by insanity, leading to widespread fear and paranoia among his subjects.

Nero (Roman Empire): Nero’s reign was characterized by tyranny, extravagance, and persecution of Christians. He famously fiddled while Rome burned and is believed to have ordered the execution of his mother and other family members.

Ivan the Terrible (Russia): Ivan IV’s rule was marked by brutal repression, mass executions, and the establishment of the Oprichnina, a state within a state known for its terror tactics.

Leopold II of Belgium: Responsible for the brutal colonization of the Congo Free State, Leopold’s reign oversaw widespread atrocities, including forced labor, mutilations, and genocide, resulting in the deaths of millions of Congolese.

King Herod the Great (Judea): Infamous for his paranoia and cruelty, Herod’s reign was marred by violence, including the massacre of innocent children in an attempt to eliminate potential rivals to his throne.

Vlad the Impaler (Wallachia): Known for his brutal methods of punishment, including impalement, Vlad’s reign was characterized by extreme cruelty and terror tactics against his enemies.

King Henry VIII (England): Henry VIII’s reign was marked by his ruthless pursuit of power and multiple marriages, leading to the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church and the execution of several of his wives.

Kim Jong-il (North Korea): Continuing his father’s oppressive regime, Kim Jong-il’s rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses, famine, and the development of nuclear weapons at the expense of his people’s well-being.

Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines): Known for his authoritarian rule and widespread corruption, Marcos’s regime in the Philippines was marked by human rights violations, censorship, and embezzlement of public funds.

Muammar Gaddafi (Libya): Gaddafi’s oppressive rule in Libya was characterized by political repression, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism, culminating in a violent overthrow during the Arab Spring uprising.

These rulers, including Elagabalus, serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of unchecked power and the impact of tyranny on societies throughout history.