Julia Maesa. Augusta AD 218-224. Rome
Sestertius Æ

31 mm, 23,19 g

IVLIA MAESA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust to right / PVDICITIA, Pudicitia seated to left, raising veil and holding sceptre; SC in exergue.

Very Fine

RIC IV 420 (Elagabalus); C. 42; BMCRE 391

Julia Maesa was a prominent Roman noblewoman and a member of the Severan dynasty. She was born in Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria) around AD 170. Julia Maesa was the sister of Julia Domna, the wife of Emperor Septimius Severus. After her sister's marriage to Septimius Severus, Julia Maesa and her two daughters, Julia Soaemias and Julia Mamaea, became part of the imperial family. Julia Maesa played a significant role in Roman politics during the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and ambition. After the death of her sister Julia Domna in AD 217 and the assassination of her nephew, Emperor Caracalla (son of Julia Domna), Julia Maesa took charge of her grandson, the young Emperor Elagabalus. During Elagabalus' reign, Julia Maesa effectively acted as the power behind the throne, making decisions and influencing policies. She was instrumental in securing her family's position and power within the Roman Empire. However, Elagabalus' reign was marked by scandal and controversy, and he was eventually assassinated in AD 222. After Elagabalus' death, Julia Maesa supported her other grandson, Alexander Severus, in ascending to the throne. Under his rule, Julia Maesa continued to wield considerable influence in Roman politics. Julia Maesa was a remarkable woman of her time, known for her political astuteness and her ability to maneuver within the complex world of Roman power politics. Her influence played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes of her family and the Roman Empire during a critical period of its history.