c 218-222 AD - ELAGABALUS - Ancient Roman Silver Denarius

$225.00

Silver Denarius, Ancient Rome, c. 218-222 AD

Ruler: Elagabalus (Augustus)

Obv: IMP ANTONINUS AVG – Laureate & draped bust of Ruler, rt.

Rev: PM TRP II COS II PP – Pax advancing, left, holding olive branch & scepter

Mint: Rome (struck 219 AD)

S-R7530, 18mm, 3.40gm

Strong, well centered strike

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (born Sextus Varius Avitus Bassianus, c. 204 – 11/12 March 222), known as "Elagabalus, was the Roman Emperor from 218 to 222. His short reign was conspicuous for sex scandals and religious controversy. A close relative to the Severan Dynasty, he came from a prominent family in Emesa (Homs), Syria where he served as head priest of the sun god Elagabal. After the death of his cousin, emperor Caracalla, Elagabalus became emperor at 14 years of age thru an army revolt instigated by his grandmother Julia Maesa  against Caracalla's successor, Macrinus.

Elagabalus showed a disregard for Roman religious traditions and sexual taboos. He replaced the traditional head of the Roman Pantheon, Jupiter, with the deity Elagabal, of whom he had been high priest. He forced leading members of Rome's government to participate in religious rites celebrating this deity, presiding over them in person. He married four women, including a Vestal Virgin (Aquilia Severa), in addition to lavishing favours on male courtiers thought to have been his lovers.

His behavior estranged the Praetorian Guard, the Senate, and the common people alike. Amidst growing opposition, at just 18 years of age he was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander in March 222. The assassination plot against Elagabalus was devised by his grandmother, Julia Maesa (also the grandmother of Severus Alexander), and carried out by disaffected members of the Praetorian Guard.  

The practice of damnatio memoriae - erasing from the public record a disgraced personage formerly of note—was systematically applied after his death. Many associates of Elagabalus were killed or deposed. His religious edicts were reversed and the stone of Elagabal was sent back to Emesa.

  • Inventory# PA-3319