In a recent development that challenges historical norms, a UK museum has proposed a reinterpretation of the life and identity of Roman Emperor Elagabalus, who held the throne from 218 to 222 AD. Are historians questioning the set prenotions of gender norms in history?

Traditionally characterised as an eccentric and controversial figure, Elagabalus is now being reconsidered as a transgender individual, according to assertions made by the North Hertfordshire Museum.

Roman Emperor Elagabalus was born in Syria. He lived there until assuming the Roman throne at age 14. He is often considered one of the most controversial Roman emperors. According to an interview published in 2021 on the website of the University of Birmingham, “Elagabalus was also known to have married a man, the charioteer and former slave Hierocles, and they loved being referred to as Hierocles’ wife or mistress. The emperor is also reported to have frequently worn wigs and makeup, preferred to be called ‘domina’ (lady) over ‘dominus’ (lord), and even offered vast sums of money to any physician who could give them a vagina,”

The reinterpretation of the emperor’s gender identity stems from a meticulous reexamination of historical accounts, shedding light on the complexities of gender identity in historical contexts. The museum’s assertion seeks to foster a more inclusive understanding of gender diversity in history. Thus, the museum is challenging the conventional narratives that have shaped the perception of Elagabalus.

The move highlights a broader trend amongst historical researchers, who are increasingly scrutinising traditional viewpoints and exploring alternative interpretations that align with contemporary values of inclusivity and diversity.

However, not everyone is in agreement with the reinterpretation of historical figures through modern lenses. Zachary Herz, assistant professor of classics at the University of Colorado in Boulder, emphasises that although the Romans may not have shared current understandings of trans identity, certain disputed accounts about Elagabalus have surprisingly modern undertones, reported the Guardian.

In the context of queer theory, Herz has written about how to approach Elagabalus’s story. He points out that the assertion that Elagabalus requested female pronouns closely mirrors a story from a 3rd-century historian, Cassius Dio. In this narrative, Elagabalus explicitly expresses a preference for feminine pronouns, resembling a correction of someone’s pronouns in a contemporary context. However, Herz is skeptical about the accuracy of these accounts, viewing the “biographies” written under Elagabalus’s successor as essentially fictional hit pieces.

Another expert to refute this claim is Martijn Icks, a classics lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and author of a book on Elagabalus. Icks states, that the narratives portraying the emperor’s effeminacy were meant to assassinate his character and undermine his suitability for the throne. Icks notes a recurring theme in historical descriptions of “bad emperors” like Nero and Caligula, who were similarly characterised.

This racial prejudice also played a role in shaping perceptions of Elagabalus. Before his rule in Rome, Elagabalus served as a priest in an obscure cult in Syria that revered a black stone meteorite. The Romans, holding stereotypes about Syrians as effeminate, saw this as evidence that Elagabalus was not a “real man” according to their standards.

Herz acknowledges the scarcity of confidently asserted facts about Elagabalus’s biography. While he deems it justifiable for students to use gender-neutral pronouns like “they/them” in the absence of clear gender information, he suggests that “he” and “him” align more closely with the emperor’s likely gender identity. Herz underscores the challenge of truly understanding Elagabalus, emphasising the ambiguity surrounding the emperor’s self-perception.

Despite historical uncertainties, portraits and coins depict Elagabalus in a manner consistent with male cultural norms, reinforcing the complexity of interpreting historical figures through a modern lens.

Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Elagabalus’s identity serves as a microcosm of larger conversations within the academic and public spheres about the role of history in shaping our collective identity. The ongoing exploration of figures like Elagabalus highlights the dynamic nature of historical interpretations and the evolving dialogue between the past and the present.