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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Curtisimo, post: 7860183, member: 83845&quot;]How strange it is that some symbols take on almost opposite meanings depending on the context. My guess is the devil with horns developed from one of the horned Greco-Roman gods (Pan?).&nbsp; Though some of the positive connotation seems to have lasted at least as long as the Renaissance if the Michelangelo statue is any indication.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I linked to the original article where they did experiments and determined the scale would have been accurate to the coin depictions. The theory is that they used the end piece... it’s all very gross. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie96" alt=":vomit:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>As to being a human penis the article touches on that indirectly as well. Cassius Dio says that Elagabalus used human genitals in some of his secret rites (see OP quote).&nbsp; If there is any truth to this (which there may not be), the article points out that the use of a bull phallus could have been meant as a more palatable substitute.</p><p><br /></p><p>The object is almost always associated with a sacrifice scene or with a state function that would have included sacrifice. This strengthens the argument for it being related to the worship of Elagabal in some way.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It’s true that Dio and Herodian were not above exaggerating but it seems enough of their testimony is verifiable that the rest should at least be looked at as plausible. Even the crazy stuff. (After all, would we believe the crazy Hercules stories about Commodus without the coins and statue?).</p><p><br /></p><p>For instance we know he did lead a rock around on a chariot (coin evidence), he did build a massive temple to Elagabal (it’s still there) he did break the laws associated with the Vestals and he was murdered by his soldiers before that kind of thing was really in vogue... I think his reign is a fascinating period!</p><p><br /></p><p>Great example btw![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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