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Elagabalus, a notorious Roman emperor known for his eccentric and hedonistic lifestyle, ascended to power at just fourteen. His reign was marked by radical changes to Roman religion, elevating the sun god El-Gabal and engaging in scandalous rituals. His flamboyant behavior included cross-dressing and sexual promiscuity, leading to his eventual assassination at eighteen. This engaging biography explores the complexities of his character and legacy, portraying him as both a tyrant and a symbol of rebellion, influencing artists and writers throughout history.

Elagablus, raised to the throne at the age of fourteen in 218 AD, and assassinated only four years later, remains among the most notorious and enigmatic of Roman Emperors. The contemporary and Byzantine sources on his reign portray a life of decadence and sexual and criminal excess, as well as religious affront to Rome's traditions.