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Philippopolis AE36 Moushmov 5416 of Elagabalus

Elagabalus Æ36 of Philippopolis, Thrace. AVT K M AVPHL ANTWNEINOC CE, radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right / KENDREICEILPOUIAEN FILIPPO, table with lion feet, urn on top with five balls, vase below with two palm fronds, POLI NEWKORO below.

Lot No.3116. VF and Rare, 10 Gold Leva in Moushmov. 22.3g.

$ 450.

Varius Avitus Bassianus (218-222 AD), better known as Elagabalus after the name of his god, was renamed Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to more closely be associated with his cousin Caracalla. (Rumors of Caracalla being his father were fostered in order to strengthen his claim to the throne.) As a boy he was consecrated a priest of the sun god in the great temple in Emesa. When he rose to power, he had the Stone of Emesa transported to Rome, and insisted that it be an object of public worship. His unpopularity grew as his cruelty, extravagance, and depravity alienated all segments of Roman society. The Praetorian guards assassinated Elagabalus -- only 18 years old -- and his mother Julia Soaemias in 222, and he was replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander, while the Stone of Emesa was returned to its temple in Syria.