Faces of Roman Emperors: Nerva to the Severan Dynasty (Image Gallery) p. 15

Image Gallery

by Arienne King
published on 22 February 2021

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Elagabalus (Artistic Facial Reconstruction)

by Daniel Voshart
published on 23 October 2020

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Elagabalus (Artistic Facial Reconstruction) — View Full-Size Image

Elagabalus (r. 218-222 CE) became Roman emperor through the machinations of his grandmother Julia Maesa, who spread a rumor that he was the illegitimate son of Caracalla among the Roman army. He was proclaimed emperor at the age of 14, by which time he was already the high priest of the Syrian sun god Elagabal. His reign was defined by hedonism, and he quickly became a controversial figure. Sensing his own unpopularity, he plotted to kill his cousin and successor Alexander Severus (r. 222-235 CE), who he came to see as a threat. He was eventually executed by the Praetorian Guard in favour of Severus Alexander.

Pictured alongside the reconstruction is the bust of Elagabalus from the Capitoline Museum.

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