Only about 13 years of age at the time of his ascension to the throne, the empire was really ruled by his forceful mother, Julia Soaemias <ref>An Encyclopedia of World History, Kingsport Press, 1948</ref>. He adopted his cousin [[Alexander Severus]] as his successor. The [[Praetorian guard]] murdered Elagabalus in 222, paving the way for his cousin to rule. | Only about 13 years of age at the time of his ascension to the throne, the empire was really ruled by his forceful mother, Julia Soaemias <ref>An Encyclopedia of World History, Kingsport Press, 1948</ref>. He adopted his cousin [[Alexander Severus]] as his successor. The [[Praetorian guard]] murdered Elagabalus in 222, paving the way for his cousin to rule. |