Noble Blood: The Impossible Identity of Elagabalus
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Host: Dana Schwartz
Produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Impossible Identity of Elagabalus," Dana Schwartz delves into the enigmatic life of the Roman Emperor Elagabalus. Ruling from 218 AD to 222 AD, Elagabalus remains one of history’s most controversial and misunderstood figures. This episode explores the intricate web of gender, sexuality, and political intrigue that surrounded Elagabalus, challenging contemporary perceptions and historical biases.

Historical Background

Elagabalus ascended to the Roman throne at the tender age of 14, following the assassination of her cousin, Caracalla, orchestrated by Emperor Macrinus. Born into a prominent religious family in Syria, Elagabalus was deeply entrenched in the worship of the sun god Elagabal, from whom she derived her name. Her grandmother, Julia Mesa, played a pivotal role in her rise to power, manipulating soldiers and leveraging familial influence to secure her position as emperor.

Quote:
[04:15] Dana Schwartz: "Elagabalus arrived in Rome with a painting of herself sent ahead to be hung over a statue of the goddess Victoria, an act seen by many as blatant hubris."

Gender and Sexuality: A Contested Identity

Elagabalus's reign was marked by actions that defied the rigid gender norms of ancient Rome. Historical accounts, primarily from biased sources like Cassius Dio—a senator involved in her assassination—depict her as a figure who blurred traditional gender lines. Claims suggest that she preferred feminine pronouns, wore makeup, engaged in typically feminine crafts, and even sought gender-affirming surgery, though these accounts are heavily scrutinized for potential slander.

Quote:
[12:40] Dana Schwartz: "Without any narrative accounts of Elagabalus from her perspective, it's difficult to know what to make of these competing interpretations."

Modern scholars like Zachary Herz argue that these ancient portrayals are more reflective of the authors' biases than Elagabalus's true identity. The episode discusses the challenges of interpreting historical figures through contemporary lenses, especially when primary sources may be antagonistic or prejudiced.

Reign and Controversies

During her four-year reign, Elagabalus implemented several unorthodox policies and engaged in behaviors that scandalized Rome’s elite. She elevated her mother and grandmother to unprecedented positions of power within the Senate, allowed them into the traditionally male-dominated political sphere, and promoted the worship of her deity, Elagabal, over Jupiter.

Her personal life was equally tumultuous. Elagabalus reportedly married four women within four years, hosted bizarre dinner parties featuring exotic dishes and wild animals, and engaged in relationships that defied societal norms, including rumored same-sex affairs and a controversial liaison with a Vestal virgin.

Quote:
[28:50] Dana Schwartz: "These deviations from normal Roman life made Elagabalus unpopular among the elite, ultimately leading to her downfall."

Downfall and Assassination

Elagabalus's increasing alienation from the Roman military and Senate led to her attempt to consolidate power by sidelining her co-emperor, Severus Alexander. Her efforts to eliminate Alexander sparked a riot, culminating in her and her mother's brutal assassination in 222 AD. Their bodies were mutilated and paraded through Rome, a stark end to a reign fraught with excess and controversy.

Quote:
[35:20] Dana Schwartz: "She was found with her mother, both killed with their heads cut off and their bodies stripped naked, dragged across Rome."

Modern Interpretations and Legacy

The episode highlights the complexities of interpreting Elagabalus's identity. While ancient sources depict her through a lens of bias and political propaganda, modern scholars like Martin Ickes and Zachary Herz suggest reevaluating these accounts to better understand her possible gender identity and the societal reactions it provoked.

Elagabalus's story has transcended history books, inspiring modern literature and art. Notably, her life influenced Oscar Wilde’s "The Picture of Dorian Gray," underscoring her enduring legacy as a symbol of decadence and deviation from societal norms.

Quote:
[49:10] Dana Schwartz: "Elagabalus's flaunting of the status quo made her an inspirational figure to many artists and writers, positioning her as a node in a longer queer lineage."

Conclusion

Elagabalus remains a compelling figure precisely because of the ambiguities surrounding her identity and rule. This episode of Noble Blood encourages listeners to approach historical narratives with a critical eye, recognizing the influence of contemporary biases on our understanding of the past. Through Elagabalus's story, Dana Schwartz invites a nuanced exploration of gender, power, and the enduring impact of historical interpretation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Elagabalus arrived in Rome with a painting of herself sent ahead to be hung over a statue of the goddess Victoria, an act seen by many as blatant hubris."
  — Dana Schwartz [04:15]

• "Without any narrative accounts of Elagabalus from her perspective, it's difficult to know what to make of these competing interpretations."
  — Dana Schwartz [12:40]

• "These deviations from normal Roman life made Elagabalus unpopular among the elite, ultimately leading to her downfall."
  — Dana Schwartz [28:50]

• "She was found with her mother, both killed with their heads cut off and their bodies stripped naked, dragged across Rome."
  — Dana Schwartz [35:20]

• "Elagabalus's flaunting of the status quo made her an inspirational figure to many artists and writers, positioning her as a node in a longer queer lineage."
  — Dana Schwartz [49:10]

This comprehensive exploration of Elagabalus provides valuable insights into how power, gender, and societal expectations intersected in ancient Rome, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of one of history’s most fascinating and complex figures.