Options
A Boy and His Stone
TIF2
Posts: 233 ✭
Elagabalus, reigned 218-222 CE. AR denarius, 19.4 mm, 3.5 gm. Struck 218-219 CE, Antioch. ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG, Laureate draped cuirassed bust right / SANCT DEO SOLI / ELAGABAL, Quadriga right, bearing sacred Baetyl stone, flanked by four parasols. RIC IV 195, Antioch.
Varius Ativus Bassianus is an interesting character in the colorful Severan Dynasty. Born to the niece of Julia Domna and possibly sired by Domna's son Caracalla, the emperor we now call Elagabalus was known to Romans as Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.
So... if the rumors are true, Elagabalus and Severus Alexander are half brothers rather than cousins; the father is their first cousin, once removed. By adoption, Severus Alexander also became the son of Elagabalus. Then Elagabalus tried to kill his son. Don't you feel better about your weird family now?
The history of Elagabalus is difficult to discern. The three primary sources of information on his life and reign are overtly biased*, written in a subsequent century, or both. Naturally, the most lurid version of his life is the one which has stuck even though it is likely extremely exaggerated if not downright false.
Despite reading various historical accounts and modern accounts I can't quite get a handle on this boy. And boy he was... he became emperor at the age of fourteen.
Here's how it went down, in a nutshell.
Caracalla was murdered. Macrinus usurped the throne. The Severan women were banished to Emesa. They missed their power and lifestyle and cleverly conspired to bring Bassianus to the throne. Macrinus didn't last long once these ladies set their minds to the task. He ruled for a year and by all accounts was not well liked, especially by the troops. They wanted their dear Caracalla, who despite being generally known for his cruelty was apparently adored by the army. Macrinus cut their pay and kept them out in the cold and barren fields. (Bad move, Macrinus.)
Once deciding to bring Soaemia's son to the throne, Julia Maesa made a big show of Varius Ativus Bassianus's hereditary claim to the title of High Priest of Elagabal.
El-Gabal (Heliogabal) was the Sun God-- a powerful Syrian deity although not popular in Rome. By all accounts Bassianus took to the role with great zeal, staging sacrifices and dances regularly. He was also reportedly a beautiful boy. The masses-- including the disgruntled troops who were uncomfortably encamped in the area-- were mesmerized by his worship services.
El-Gabal's sacred object was a large conical black stone, likely a meteorite. Bassianus was completely and utterly devoted to this Sacred Stone of Emesa. He was utterly devoted to everything about this religion, which became the driving force behind all of his decisions and ultimately, became his downfall.
The overthrow of Macrinus was actually fairly quiet. With the Severan woman manipulating everything behind the scene, the troops and population around Emesa accepted this special boy as their ruler. Having won over the army-- in part because of the rumor that Bassianus was Caracalla's son-- they troops wholeheartedly named Bassianus their new emperor in June of 218. When Macrinus understood that his days were numbered, he simply donned a disguise and fled Rome. Eventually he was found and killed.
Bassinus, now called Antonine, continued a slow procession towards Rome, Sacred Stone in tow. Once in Rome he began a quest to make El-Gabal the one and only god of Rome. Romans didn't care much for that. Antonine's religious antics grew more elaborate and more bizarre. At one point, he decided that his god should be married.
Somehow this plan seemed logical to him: divorce his first wife Julia Paula, marry a Vestal Virgin, and at the same time "marry" his Sacred Stone to a statue of Minerva (taken from the Temple of Vesta). It was scandalous. Despite the outcry he did marry Vestal Virgin Aquila Severa but he had to settle on a different wife for his Stone-- Urania, daughter of Zeus.
He constructed a grandiose temple for his Stone, the Elagabalium. It wasn't enough though so a second "summer home" was constructed. Twice a year Antonine ceremoniously transported his Stone from one home to the other, dressed in Syrian priest finery and jewels. He was so enraptured by the earthly manifestation of his sun god that he walked backwards the entire way so that he might constantly gaze upon his god.
Julias Maesa and Soaemias grossly underestimated their ability to control young Antonine. Eventually they realized he must go. They began plotting to make his cousin (half brother?) Alexianus emperor.
Skipping past all of those events... eventually they succeeded but Soaemias was killed along with Antonine.
*Primary sources for the history of Elagabalus:
History of the Roman Empire Since the Death of Marcus Aurelius (Herodian)
CassiusDio
Historia Augusta
A secondary source used for this summary is a new book by John Stuart Hay, The Amazing Emperor Elagabalus (2014)
If you actually read all of the above, by now you're probably thinking "What about the depravity? The lurid tales??". Don't worry, I've summarized them below. These stories are from unreliable historians and are likely gross exaggerations or even complete fabrications. It does seem likely that Elagabalus was homosexual, but that's not particularly newsworthy, except in ancient Rome there were certain "rules" about same-sex sex. A man of Elagabalus's social status was not supposed to be on the receiving end of gay sex. Apparently he didn't care about that rule book
- --He cut the genitals off small children and sacrificed the parts to El-Gabal
- --He dressed like a woman, makeup and all, and pretended to be the Roman equivalent of a hooker, beckoning men to have sex with him
- --He built public baths for the sole purpose of finding lovers
- --He had servants scour the baths for particularly well-endowed men to better satisfy his sexual needs
- --He appointed low-born people to high offices without regard to ability or birth. This was done in exchange for sexual favors
Bring on your coins of Antoninus, High Priest of El-Gabal! Let's see your meteorites too!!
0
Comments
What a fantastic post that we should all aspire to and a lovely coin of the boy emperor. What are your thoughts on this new Elagabalus book, do you recommend it?
and thanks for this link to this "Livius" holy elagabal, I see much tablet reading keeping the gf awake in my future
It took many chapters to get into the author's rhythm and language quirks. I tend to overuse commas and create unwieldy sentences. He takes it to another level and then some. It was often very hard to keep track of the point he was trying to make.
The book was basically his interpretation/guess of what the key players were thinking at the time.
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
<< <i>The history of Elagabalus is difficult to discern. The three primary sources of information on his life and reign are overtly biased*, written in a subsequent century, or both. >>
I feel this is true about much of our ancient history. I choose to put some faith in it all because what other choice do I have when there's no other accounting.
Excellent post. Just wow. The dramatic reenactment of the coin's procession just blew me away. You have definitely raised the bar
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
Imagine if "reality" TV existed back then!
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
Here's my meteorite:
CAMPO DEL CIELO METEORITE
Iron, coarse octahedrite
Gran Chaco, Argentina
This Campo del Cielo exhibits well-defined regmaglypts (the small thumbprint-like impressions in the fusion crust caused by frictional burning and melting as the meteorite plunges to Earth). A protuberance on one side evokes a human profile. Accompanied by an ebony display stand, this is a winsome example of a meteorite. 5.25 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches and 4.45 kg (9.8 pounds)
<< <i> Elagabartlus >>
I forgot to post a meteorite
LL5 chondrite, 48.4 gm, fusion crust.
YouTube video of the Chelyabinsk meteoroid
Fifty years before Elagabalus, Antoninus Pius honored the Sacred Black Stone:
Antoninus Pius Provincial AE Sacred Black Stone of Emesa Syria
Bronze, 23mm, 8.71gm, Catalog: BMC 1
Where is the Sacred Black Stone now?
The Mysterious Egyptian Magic Coin
Coins in Movies
Coins on Television
As for what happened to the Sacred Stone of Emesa, it is lost. In researching this writeup I did however come across a rumor that it (or part of it) is now in Mecca: the sacred Black Stone set in the southeast corner of the Ka'bah. There is no basis for the rumor but if true it would be funny.
Quite a bit of history, too. You and Smeagle should collaborate.
But the "Sacred Potato in Grocery Cart Quadriga of My Little Ponies" was the real piece de resistance, and made me literally LOL.
PS- ladymarcovan wondered what I was LOL-ing at, so I showed her the coin, briefly explained the design, and then scrolled down to the reenactment.
She LOL-ed too.
<< <i>This has got to be a POTD. >>
I second the motion.
<< <i>
<< <i>This has got to be a POTD. >>
I second the motion. >>
<< <i>I think that's enough to make an official DPOTD, surely. >>
Forgive my acronymic ignorance, but what is DPOTD?
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
<< <i>DPOTD = Darkside Post of the Day. >>
Thanks
Does it come with a ribbon? I want a ribbon. I will tape it to the diorama's shopping cart like I won some bizarre county fair agricultural contest.
"Best in Show", Vegetable Category.
Note however that the spud in question is now making its way down my digestive tract. Since I don't want to replace a rotting vegetable every week, I will substitute a painted rock for the permanent diorama.
Shrine to Cloacina... Diorama of the transport of the Sacred Stone of Emesa...
All I need now is a half dozen cats and what the neighbors already believe will be fully true.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
Of COURSE it comes with a ribbon.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
<< <i>A ribbon?
Of COURSE it comes with a ribbon.
<< <i>btw was your title a nod to this classic? A Boy and His Blob >>
I was unaware of A Boy and His Blob, although since that is so fabulous it was tempting to lie and say yes
To date, it might be the only one I've had.
WNC Coins, LLC
1987-C Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
wnccoins.com
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
<< <i>Took me a moment to figure out how you got the street (aluminum foil) to flow seamlessly into the background (Venetian hotel, las vegas???) >>
Close... the backdrop is The Forvm Shops at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas. I thought it most fitting
The street is also a photo. I cut the lower fifth of the top photo ("street" foreground), enlarged it by stretching vertically, and printed it at 17" x 11" (same size as the background picture).
The making of the diorama could be an entire post. It turned into quite a comedy and would have been far easier to just photoshop the whole thing. I did in fact first make a photoshop mockup. The sensible thing would have been to stop there but the artiste in me compelled the full realization of my creative vision.*
The pictures posted here are not photoshopped at all other than cropping and slight color adjustments.
*Artist's Statement, TIF2:
My work explores the relationship between Bauhausian sensibilities and urban spaces.
With influences as diverse as Kafka and Francis Bacon, new tensions are generated from both opaque and transparent meanings.
Ever since I was a pre-adolescent I have been fascinated by the theoretical limits of meaning. What starts out as hope soon becomes finessed into a cacophony of power, leaving only a sense of dread and the possibility of a new understanding.
As shimmering derivatives become clarified through frantic and personal practice, the viewer is left with a clue to the inaccuracies of our era.
...
Generate your own "Artist's Statement" at ArtyBollocks
<< <i>Artist Statement
My work explores the relationship between the Military-Industrial Complex and urban spaces.
With influences as diverse as Derrida and John Lennon, new variations are distilled from both orderly and random meanings.
Ever since I was a student I have been fascinated by the traditional understanding of the mind. What starts out as hope soon becomes manipulated into a dialectic of defeat, leaving only a sense of nihilism and the dawn of a new synthesis.
As spatial replicas become reconfigured through frantic and personal practice, the viewer is left with a clue to the darkness of our culture. >>
One, you should repost coin and diorama Across The Street on the NGC Forums, if you haven't already.
Two, will your coin purchases now be chosen based on how difficult it will be to make a proper diorama out of the design?
<< <i>Oh- two further comment/suggestions/whatever:
One, you should repost coin and diorama Across The Street on the NGC Forums, if you haven't already.
Two, will your coin purchases now be chosen based on how difficult it will be to make a proper diorama out of the design?
Huh, I'd never even been to NGC's forum. Yes, I think I might have to join and repost this coin
As for choosing coins based on dioramability... I admit that the entertainment value of coins does factor into purchasing decisions. Who knows what creative endeavor may accompany the next major purchase
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
<< <i>Love it. That website is awesome
Awesome website. Love the stories section and especially enjoyed the sewer system story and the bidding story.
<< <i>Great coin, excellent write up. The reenactment was particularly authentic. >>
Actually, might be closer to reality than one might want to admit given the history of this guy. One does wonder what the roman "man in the street" thought about some of these issues.
Wonderful denarius and one of those quirky issues that make collecting the period so much fun.
My World Coin Type Set
https://www.civitasgalleries.com
New coins listed monthly!
Josh Moran
CIVITAS Galleries, Ltd.
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
<< <i>Never thought I'd see Aethelred use "Bart Simpson" and "My Little Pony" in the same sentence (or any sentence, for that matter). >>
If you only knew some of the stuff I've heard come out of the dead king's mouth/keyboard.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
<< <i>
<< <i>Never thought I'd see Aethelred use "Bart Simpson" and "My Little Pony" in the same sentence (or any sentence, for that matter). >>
If you only knew some of the stuff I've heard come out of the dead king's mouth/keyboard. >>
Indeed. Did you know Ye Olde Dead King is a brony? It's one reason he liked this thread so much.
I'm a bit disturbed that any of you are familiar with the word "brony".
<< <i>Hilarious comments, everyone
I'm a bit disturbed that any of you are familiar with the word "brony".
Maybe Ye Dead King isn't the only brony among us.
Maybe it takes one to know one.
Maybe I'm terrifying myself now.
What if?
Naaah.
If you have any coins of him or showing a baetyl/sacred stone, please post 'em!
MOESIA INFERIOR, Nikopolis ad Istrum
Elagabalus, CE 218-222
AE 18 mm, 2.8 gm
Obv: AVT K M AVP ANTΩNINOC, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev: NIKOΠOΛITΩ NΠPOCICTPO N, Priapus standing left, drawing back his cloak to expose his phallus, bowl of fruit balanced on phallus, right hand extended pouring from patera
Ref: Varbanov 3811, AMNG 2022
MOESIA INFERIOR. Nikopolis ad Istrum
Elagabalus , CE 218-222
AE 26 mm, 11.1 gm
Obv: AYT K M AYP ANTΩNEINOC. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: VΠ NOBIOV POVΦOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTPON. River-god reclining right, holding branch; prow at side
Ref: Varbanov 4055
ex Falter Collection, Nature Gods
EGYPT, Alexandria. Elagabalus
year 5, CE 221/2
tetradrachm
Obv: AKAICAPMAAVPANTωNINOCEVCEB; laureate head right
Rev: head of Zeus Ammon right; L-E (most likely E; could be B, year 2)
Ref: Emmett 2961(5), R2 (R3 if year 2)
MESOPOTAMIA, Edessa
Elagabalus, CE 218-222
AE27, 15 gm
Obv: AVT K M A ANTΩNEINOC; radiate cuirassed bust left, holding shield and raising right hand.
Rev: AVP ........ EΔECCA; Tyche seated left on rock, holding corn ears; to left a column surmounted by a statue of Marsyas, river god swimming right at feet
Ref: Mionnet supplement 8, 26. Very rare. Mionnet is the only work which lists this coin with a column on the left.
This coin was in a large mixed lot and had no attribution. It has driven me a little crazy but I'm fairly certain of the attribution. If you can confirm or refute this, please drop me a note.
PHOENICIA, Tyre. Elagabalus
CE 218-222
AE29, 13.4 gm
Obv: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: Dido building Carthage; she stands to front before the arched gate of the city, looking left, holding a rule and transverse sceptre; above the gate, a mason at work, [below, a man digging with pick]; murex shell in upper field, palm tree to right
Ref: Rouvier 2375; BMC 409; AUB 245; Price & Trell 748. Very Fine. Rare.
Currently my favorite provincial.
I'm familiar with the word "brony." Heard it for the first time two years ago at Dragon*Con. There were a decent amount of Trek fans that were doubling as bronies. I don't understand the crossover correlation there but ... it happened / happens. I will say this. I have seen my share of My Little Pony episodes because when my sister and I would get home from school, in the afternoon, her show (MLP) came on right before my show (Thundercats). To each his own
Amat Colligendo Focum
Top 10 • FOR SALE
I don't recall ever seeing Priapus on a coin before.
I mean, I knew there had to be some, as much as a he features in art of the period, but that is the first time I've seen him on a coin.
PS- two random thoughts...
One, I hope they never have a gun show or NASCAR fan event in the same venue where bronies and Trekkies congregate. Hoo boy.
Two, I think there's a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter. I wonder if I could...
Nah, better not. Ladymarcovan might injure me if I balanced the bowl improperly and broke it.