❚ All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This article contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

Heliogabalus: Rome’s scandalous emperor

Harry Sidebottom shares the sensational story of the notorious Roman emperor whose short time in power was packed with sex, violence and decadence

Published: February 20, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Save

The story of the Roman emperor Heliogabalus is filled with sex, death, decadence and religious extremism, but it also touches on some key questions about imperial Rome. What were the limits of political power? How far should a ruler intervene in the life of his subjects? And what was a Roman emperor actually expected to do? Harry Sidebottom talks to Rachel Dinning about the emperor’s short but extraordinary reign.

Ad

Harry Sidebottom is the author of The Mad Emperor: Heliogabalus and the Decadence of Rome (Oneworld Publications, 2022)

Ad

Authors

Rachel DinningDigital editor (engagement and video)

Rachel Dinning is digital editor (engagement and video) at HistoryExtra

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...