Julia Domna. Augusta AD 193-217. Rome
Denarius AR

19 mm, 3,07 g

IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust to right / MATER DEVM, Cybele seated to left on throne between two lions, holding branch and sceptre, arm resting on drum.

Very Fine

RIC IV 564 (Severus); BMCRE 51 note (Septimius and Caracalla); RSC 123.

Julia Domna was a Roman empress and the wife of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. She was born around 160 AD in Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria) and belonged to a prominent Syrian family. Julia Domna's marriage to Septimius Severus occurred before he became emperor. Septimius Severus rose through the ranks and eventually became the Roman emperor in 193 AD. As empress, Julia Domna was a highly educated and influential woman. She was known for her intelligence, literary talents, and patronage of philosophers and scholars. She played an active role in the cultural and intellectual life of the Roman court. Julia Domna and Septimius Severus had two sons, Caracalla and Geta, both of whom became Roman emperors after their father's death. Unfortunately, their relationship with each other was hostile, leading to a power struggle after Severus' death. Caracalla eventually ordered the assassination of his brother Geta in AD 212. Julia Domna's later life was marred by grief and political turmoil. In AD 217, she faced the death of her husband and the assassination of her elder son Caracalla. Julia Domna died in AD 217, possibly by suicide or due to a forced starvation. Julia Domna was remembered as a significant and influential figure in the Roman Empire, known for her intelligence, political acumen, and patronage of the arts and philosophy. Her impact on Roman society and culture was considerable, and her influence extended beyond her lifetime through the reigns of her sons and their policies.