Macrinus' short reign, while important for its historical "firsts", is cut short due to the inability of this otherwise accomplished man to control or satisfy the soldiery.

After Julia Maesa displays her wealth to the Legio III Gallica at Raphana, they swear allegiance to Elagabalus.

At sunrise on May 16, 218, Publius Valerius Comazon Eutychianus, commander of the legion, declares him emperor.

To strengthen his legitimacy through further propaganda, Elagabalus assumes Caracalla's names, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

In response, Macrinus dispatches his Praetorian prefect Ulpius Julianus to the region with a contingent of troops he considers strong enough to crush the rebellion.

However, this force soon joins the faction of Elagabalus when, during the battle, they turn on their own commanders.

The officers are killed and Julianus' head is sent back to the emperor.