Elagabalus tetradrachm, 24.5 mm, 12 g RPC VI №: 7948 (temporary) Reign: Elagabalus (Augustus) City: Uncertain mint of the Syrian Tetradrachms Region: Syria Province: Syria Coele Obverse: ΑΝΤωΝΕΙΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΑΥΤ Κ Μ Α; laureate head of Elagabalus, left, with drapery Reverse: ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤΟϹ ΤΟ Β Δ Ε; eagle standing facing, head left, holding wreath in beak and spreading wings; star between legs | L5

A classic depiction of Roman decadence, a subject that was popular in Victorian times! The painting illustrates an episode in the life of the emperor Elagabalus (or Heliogabalus) taken from the book Augusta Historia: “In a banqueting-room with a reversible ceiling he once buried his guests in violets and other flowers, so that some were actually smothered to death, being unable to crawl out to the top.” Did this really happen? Probably not, the author of the book written in 4th century uses exag

Roman Emperor Elagabalus, who ruled from 218 to 222 AD, is indeed remembered for his extravagant and scandalous behavior, particularly during his dinner parties. Historical accounts, especially those by the historian Cassius Dio, describe how Elagabalus would entertain his guests with wild and shocking spectacles. One of his notorious practices involved releasing wild animals, such as lions, leopards, and bears, among his guests during banquets. The idea was to create a dramatic and unsettling e