2020-03-11 Wed

Elagabalus- also known as Heliogabalus was Roman emperor from 218 to 222, notable chiefly for his eccentric behavior. Upon becoming emperor he took the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.

Born around the year 204, Elagabalus was the second son of Julia Soaemias and Sextus Varius Marcellus. In his early youth, he served the god Elagabalus as a priest in Emesa, the hometown of his mother's family.

As an emperor, Elagabalus issued a variety of coins in Gold; Silver as well as in copper. The coins depict excellent workmanship and are considered to be one of the most important pieces of evidence to study the contemporary society, politics, economy and culture.

Remarkable among them is a 6.89 grams Gold Aureus. Issued in the year 218, the coin was minted at Antioch. The obverse of the coin depicts the bust of Elagabalus facing right wearing a wreath over his head. The reverse of the coin engraved four-horse, gold chariot carrying the holy stone of the Emesa temple decorated with eagle, surrounded by four parasols.

At the age of 18 years old, Elagabalus was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander on 11 March 222.

Image Source: wikipedia.org