193-217AD Julia Domna Silver Denarius – gVF

Julia Domna: The Powerful Roman Empress

Birth and Early Life

Born in 170 AD in Emesa, Syria (modern-day Homs), Julia Domna came from a family of great influence. Her father, Julius Bassianus, was a high priest of the sun god Elagabal, a position that granted him significant political and religious clout. Julia inherited both her father’s ambition and his knack for navigating power. From an early age, she stood out as highly intelligent, cultured, and—perhaps most importantly—determined.

Marriage to Septimius Severus

Julia’s life took a dramatic turn when she caught the eye of Septimius Severus, a rising Roman general. Believing in destiny, Severus consulted a prophecy that foretold his marriage to a woman who would become a queen. Julia, with her sharp wit and noble background, seemed the perfect match. The two married in 187 AD, and their partnership soon became a formidable force in Roman politics. When Severus seized the throne in 193 AD, Julia was not content to simply play the role of a dutiful wife—she became his closest advisor, strategist, and political ally.

Mother to Future Emperors

Julia’s influence extended beyond her husband; she also shaped the future of Rome through her two sons, Caracalla and Geta. Although both were meant to rule together, sibling rivalry spiralled into something far worse. In 211 AD, shortly after Severus’s death, Caracalla arranged for Geta’s assassination, eliminating his brother and securing sole control. Julia, heartbroken but pragmatic, remained at Caracalla’s side, using her political acumen to maintain order.

Scholar, Patron, and Powerhouse

Beyond politics, Julia was a patron of the arts and a lover of philosophy. She surrounded herself with some of the greatest thinkers of the time, fostering a vibrant intellectual culture in the imperial court. Unlike many Roman empresses before her, she wielded real authority, engaging directly in matters of state and earning the respect of senators and generals alike.

A Tragic End

However, power often comes with a heavy price. In 217 AD, Caracalla was assassinated, and Julia found herself in a precarious position. Without her son or husband to protect her, and facing political enemies, she chose to end her own life rather than suffer humiliation.
Though her story ended in tragedy, Julia Domna left an unforgettable mark on Roman history. Few empresses before or after her held such sway over the empire, and her legacy as a brilliant, ambitious, and politically shrewd woman remains undeniable.

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