A U.K. museum has announced that it will refer to Roman emperor Elagabalus as a transgender woman, using female pronouns to acknowledge the ruler’s reported preferred identity. The North Hertfordshire Museum’s decision comes after claims in classical texts suggesting that Elagabalus identified as a lady. While some historians believe these accounts were most likely attempts by Romans to slander the emperor, the museum still wants to be sensitive and respectful. Elagabalus, who ruled from A.D. 218 to A.D. 222 before being assassinated at the age of 18, will now be referred to as she in displays featuring a silver denarius minted during her reign.
The North Hertfordshire Museum, located in Hitchin, less than 40 miles north of London, has included the coin in LGBT-themed exhibits. In a blog post on the museum’s website from 2021, Elagabalus was referred to using the pronoun their. However, the museum has now decided to adopt she based on Elagabalus’ stated pronoun preference in ancient sources.
Keith Hoskins, executive member for arts at the North Herts Council, which oversees the museum, explained, Elagabalus most definitely preferred the she pronoun, and as such, this is something we reflect when discussing her in contemporary times. He further emphasized the importance of respecting pronouns for both historical and present individuals, stating, It is only polite and respectful. We know that Elagabalus identified as a woman and was explicit about which pronouns to use, which shows that pronouns are not a new thing.
The pronouns she are rooted in the writings of Roman chronicler Cassius Dio, who described Elagabalus being referred to as wife, mistress, and queen. Dio also mentioned Elagabalus’ request for female genitalia and a lover who was told, Call me not Lord, for I am a Lady. However, it is worth noting that Cassius Dio served Severus Alexander, who became emperor after Elagabalus’ assassination, which may cast doubt on the biased nature of the accounts since they may have been used to justify the emperor’s killing.
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, a classics professor at Cambridge University, remarked, The Romans didn’t have our idea of ‘trans’ as a category, but they used accusations of sexual behavior ‘as a woman’ as one of the worst insults against men. He also highlighted the potential presence of racial prejudice due to Elagabalus being of Syrian origin rather than Roman.
By acknowledging Elagabalus’ preferred pronouns, the North Hertfordshire Museum aims to promote inclusivity and respect in its exhibitions while shedding light on the complexity of historical figures’ identities. As societies continue to evolve and conversations surrounding gender identity progress, museums play an essential role in reevaluating historical narratives and embracing diverse perspectives.
