The Importance of Private Life in Rome

Elagabolas took both male and female lovers, but most of the time dressed in clothing that would have been considered highly effeminate. The new emperor announced shortly after arriving in Rome that henceforth all temples in the city would be rededicated to Elagabal. Most offensive though was his decision to marry a Vestal Virgin, so that together they could produce divine children. To the Romans, this was not just blasphemy, it was dangerous.