Chapter IX

Lampridius’ Life of Elagabalus impossible, 227. Elagabalus a
psycho-sexual hermaphrodite, not wicked, 229. The condition quite
usual then as now, 229. Virtue a virile quality, not a neurotic
negation, 229. The Phallus natural and omnipresent typifies joy and
fruitfulness, 230. Elagabalus has strong homosexual nymphomania and
every inducement to gratify his feminine instinct, 231. His nature
incredibly open and affectionate, 232. Maesa an aggravating factor,
234. Modern authorities on similarly inverted cases to-day, 234.
Biblical parallels, Greek instances, modern religious tendencies,
234. Normal intolerance largely hypocritical, 235. The usual
instincts of such natures, 235. Elagabalus’ love of flowers, feasts,
and teasing, 236. His marriages psychologically considered, 238.
His castration and desire for an operation which might produce the
female organs discussed, 238. Elagabalus’ marriage with Hierocles,
239. Hierocles and Zoticus discussed, 239. Comparison with Messalina,
240. Spintries, 240. Elagabalus’ love of colour, 241. His frankness,
241. Greek love opposed to effeminacy, 242. Gulick on the psychology,
on Christianity, 242. Effeminacy, not homosexuality, disgusts Roman
world and gives reason for Elagabalus’ downfall, 244.

CHAPTER X

Description of Nero’s golden house, 245. Elagabalus compared with
Nero, 246. Pastimes, prodigalities, and dress, 246. Extravagances of
ritual, 250. Congiaries and games, 251. Table appointments and food,
252. Maecenas’ feast, 254. Perfumes, 256. Fish, 258. The spectacles
described, 260. Gladiators discussed, 262. Elagabalus’ skill as a
sportsman, 263. The lotteries, 264. Elagabalus’ devices for suicide,
265. The psychology of extravagance, 266.