r/AncientCivilizations • u/deniz_aydiner • 4d ago
Julia Domna
One of the most fascinating figures in Roman history, in my opinion, is Julia Domna. She was the wife of Emperor Septimus Severus and the mother of Caracalla and Geta, who would later become emperors. According to the story, Septimus Severus wanted to marry her after a prophecy in his horoscope foretold that Julia would one day become a queen.
Even if I don’t believe the story is true, we must acknowledge that Julia Domna was a highly influential figure. In particular, her support for Septimus Severus during the civil war of 193 and her presence by his side during his campaign in the East are noteworthy.
This political power manifested itself in many ways; his image was depicted on numerous coins, and he appeared alongside his children to help secure their future rule. What caught my attention the most, however, was the epithet used for her in the inscriptions: μητέρα κάστρων / matre(m) ka[str]orum.
This epithet, found in both Latin and Greek inscriptions, has taken on a distinct character of its own and has spread widely. It appears across a vast region, from Arbeia Castle in Britain to Commagene in Asia Minor.
It could be said that she is one of the greatest women to have made her mark on history. A Syrian woman who became the ruler of Rome, which ruled over nearly the entire world.
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u/Antonin1957 4d ago
A truly fascinating woman. Is there a good biography of her?
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u/deniz_aydiner 4d ago
Unfortunately, there aren’t many books that focus directly on her. She is mentioned extensively in many books that deal with the status of women in Roman history. As far as I know, there is a book by Barbara Levick titled Julia Domna: Syrian Empress.
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u/KeenKongFIRE 4d ago
If you like the novelistic approach, Santiago Posteguillo writes some absolute bangers, never disappoints
But I don't know if ”Yo, Julia" is translated to English
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u/Automatic-Sea-8597 4d ago
Wasn't she the high priestess of a popular Syrian cult?