pt. 1. Exposition -- Radical and basic questions -- Problematic -- Sources and method of enquiry -- pt. 2. Explosion -- Varius, Elagabalus and Heliogabalus -- Varian texts -- Analysis of Varian propositions -- pt. 3. Constitution -- A mental exercise -- Coins -- Inscriptions -- Papyri, ostraca, and mummy labels -- Sculpture : round -- Sculpture : relief -- Topography -- Res gestae -- pt. 4. Speculation -- The question Why? -- Varius' priesthood -- Varius' childhood -- Varius' heritage -- Varius' reality -- pt. 5. Findings in contexts -- Findings -- Varius' family -- The Severan dynasty -- The Roman principate -- Varius' shift -- Varius and his models -- Severan self-presentation -- Varius and the imperial administration -- Varius and history -- Varius and culture -- Appendix 1: Theory of knowledge -- Appendix 2: Varian propositions -- Appendix 3: Varian coin concordance -- Appendix 4: List of Varian inscriptions -- Appendix 5: List of Varian papyri, ostraca, and mummy labels -- Appendix 6: Varian chronology.
Summary:
"The third-century adolescent Roman emperor miscalled Elagabalus or Heliogabalus was made into myth shortly after his murder. For 1800 years since, scandalous stories relate his alleged depravity, debauchery, and bloodthirsty fanaticism as high priest of a Syrian sun god. ... Through careful analysis of all sources, including historiography, coins, inscriptions, papyri, sculpture, and topography... we can reassess his reign. We discover a youth, thrust by his handlers into power on false pretences, who creates his own more authentic persona as priest-emperor, but loses the struggle for survival against rivals in his family, who justify his murder with his myth"--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.