3. Elagabalus’s Flower Showers
Elagabalus pushed extravagance to deadly new heights by unleashing torrents of rose petals onto his banquet guests—sometimes so many that breathing became difficult. His feasts dazzled with exotic foods, mesmerizing dancers, and entertainment that bordered on the outrageous. The emperor’s flair for the dramatic made every gathering a spectacle, but often left guests gasping for more than just air. Smithsonian Magazine explores this tale
