Varius Avitus Bassionus later known as M. Aurelius Antonius was born at Emesa about AD 205, the son of Sextus Varius Marcellus and Julia Soaemias.In his boy hood he was appointed priest of the sun-god Elagabolus.He was proclaimed Emperor May 6th AD 218.His reign was notorious for religious fanaticism, for cruelty, bloodshed and excesses of every description.He was murdered on March 6th 222.