 The source of many of these stories of Elagabalus 's depravity is the Augustan History ( Historia Augusta ) , which includes controversial claims . The Historia Augusta was most likely written toward the end of the 4th century during the reign of emperor Theodosius I. The life of Elagabalus as described in the Augustan History is of uncertain historical merit . Sections 13 to 17 , relating to the fall of Elagabalus , are less controversial among historians . 
