Hierocles

Hierocles (, late 2nd century – 222 AD) was a favourite and lover of the Roman Emperor Elagabalus. Most of the descriptions of his life are given by Cassius Dio and the Historia Augusta. Hierocles was from Caria in Anatolia, and was at some point enslaved, later becoming a charioteer in the service of Elagabalus. Initially, he was a lover and student of another charioteer named Gordius. Elagabalus was said to have been captivated by the blond and youthful Hierocles when the athlete fell in front of him during a chariot race. The Emperor made him his lover and husband and, as a consequence, Hierocles was alleged to have gained significant political influence. Seeing as the monarch considered the blond Hierocles to be his husband, Elagabalus is credited with saying: "[I am] delighted to be called the mistress, the wife, the Queen of Hierocles"