MAD EMPEROR: Heliogabalus and the Decadence of Rome

Discover the scandalous life and times of Rome's worst emperor and discover that ancient history is never less dry than in Harry Sidebottom's superbly entertaining and always scholarly accounts. Sex, politics, scandals and a compelling portrait of imperial society and culture, in 13 chapters we are taken on an enjoyable romp through Heliogabalus's fleeting four years as emperor between 218CE and 222. On 8th June AD 218, a 14 year old Syrian boy, egged on by his grandmother, led an army to battle in a Roman civil war. Against all expectations he was victorious and was proclaimed Emperor. Heliogabalus humiliated the prestigious Senators and threw extravagant dinner parties for lower-class friends. He ousted Jupiter from his summit among the gods and replaced him with the obscure Elagabal. He married a Vestal Virgin, twice. Rumours abounded that he was a prostitute. In the first biography of Heliogabalus in over half a century, Harry Sidebottom unveils the high drama of sex, death, religion, power and culture in Ancient Rome as we've never seen it before. He has the eye of a poet and the sure hand of a scholar, supported by a rich back story and a fascinating discovery of the legacy. 338pp, illus.