Julia Domna - A.D. 193-217 - Bronze Æ

Julia Domna - (160-217 AD) was a Syrian-born Roman empress during the reign of her husband, Roman emperor Septimius Severus (April 193 - February 211 A.D.) She was also the mother of the emperors Geta (209-211 A.D.) & Caracalla (198-217 A.D. & sole ruler 211-217 A.D.) whom she persuaded to accept joint rule after Severus’ death per the latter’s wishes. She was a well-known figure in imperial politics, especially after the death of her husband according to Cassius Dio, Caracalla granted Julia wide latitude to administer the empire in his stead during his extensive military  campaigns. From 212 through 217 A.D. while Caracalla was sole emperor after Geta’s murder, Julia received petitions, presided over public receptions & handled official correspondence. Caracalla included her name alongside his own in his letters to the Roman Senate. Actual extent of Julia’s power is disputed by Julia Langford in her book on Domna’s role in Severan dynasty ideology & propaganda. Julia was well-read & politically astute. Severus may have utilized her acumen during his rise to power in the Year of the Five Emperors (193 A.D.) & throughout his rule. Julia supported & consulted with

artists, thinkers & scholars in many fields, creating an influential circle at court devoted to the advancement of philosophy. She often accompanied Severus on campaign, earning her the title “Mother of the Camps” from 195 A.D., though Langford argues that this was done to curry favor with the Roman army. Later the title was extended to “Mother of the Augustus, the Camps, the Senate & of the Country”. One count claims that Julia was bestowed more titles than any other Roman empress.