Andrew G. Scott The Legitimization of Elagabalus and Cassius Dio’s Account of the Reign of Macrinus 1 Abstract: Cassius Dio 79.1.2–4, in tandem with other literary and material sources, serves as valuable evidence for several significant aspects of Elagabalus’ legitimi- zation campaign. Further analysis suggests that Elagabalus’ legitimization cam- paign may have influenced Dio’s account of Macrinus’ reign, especially with respect to Dio’s decision to include in his narrative a version of the story of Caracalla’s murder that was unsympathetic to Macrinus. Keywords: Cassius Dio, Elagabalus, Macrinus, Caracalla, Severan dynasty Andrew G. Scott: Classical Studies Program, Villanova University, E-Mail: andrew.g.scott@villanova.edu This paper argues for the existence of an informational campaign, initiated by Elagabalus during his rebellion against Macrinus and employed after his acces- sion, which intended both to legitimize Elagabalus’ position as princeps and to denigrate Macrinus. 2 For the sake of convenience, I will refer to this initiative as Elagabalus’“legitimization campaign.” Further, I propose to assess the role and influence of Elagabalus’ legitimization campaign against Macrinus in order to better understand how Cassius Dio composed his narrative of the reign of Macrinus. While Dio’s history of this period has been noted for its reliability and accuracy, 3 closer analysis suggests that Dio has embedded several aspects of Elagabalus’ 1 I am grateful to P. Michael Swan for reading an earlier draft of this paper and providing advice and encouragement, as well as to the anonymous reader and editorial board of the JAH, whose comments and criticism led me to rework the paper extensively. 2 I have used Boissevain’s (1895–1931) text throughout, with the traditional numbering system of Leunclavius (1592, 1606). I have also employed the following abbreviations: BMCRE = Mat- tingly and Carson (1923–1962); ILS = Dessau (1892–1916); PIR 2 = Groag (1933–2009); RIC = Mattingly (1923–1994). 3 Cf. Millar (1964), 160 who comments that the accession of Macrinus, an equestrian, “called forth in Dio a more analytical attitude to the conduct of affairs than he shows elsewhere” and that with respect to Macrinus’ reign Dio writes with a “force and accuracy unknown to the rest of the narrative.” DOI 10.1515/jah-2013-0012 JAH 2013; 1(2): 242–253 Authenticated | andrew.g.scott@villanova.edu author's copy Download Date | 11/13/13 3:33 PM