CHAPTER X

Description of Nero’s golden house, 245. Elagabalus compared with Nero, 246. Pastimes, prodigalities, and dress, 246. Extravagances of ritual, 250. Congiaries and games, 251. Table appointments and food, 252. Maecenas’ feast, 254. Perfumes, 256. Fish, 258. The spectacles described, 260. Gladiators discussed, 262. Elagabalus’ skill as a sportsman, 263. The lotteries, 264. Elagabalus’ devices for suicide, 265. The psychology of extravagance, 266.