E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Elagab’alus.
A Syro-Phœnician sungod, represented under the form of a huge conical stone. The Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius Antonnus, was so called because in childhood he was priest of the Sun-god. Of all the Roman emperors none exceeded him in debauchery and sin. He reigned about four years (B.C. 218–222), and died at the age of eighteen.
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This madman invited the principal men of Rome to a banquet, and smothered them in a shower of roses.
nus, was so called because in childhood he was priest of the 
