Julia Mamaea
Mother Severus Alexander
Daughter of Julia Maesa
Julia Mamaea was the daughter of Julia Maesa. She was married to Gessius Marcianus – a Syrian knight. Julia gave birth to a son, Severus Alexander, who would become Emperor of Rome. Severus was raised to the rank of Caesar by cousin Elagabalusat the instigation of his grandmother Julia Maesa and as such, became his heir to the throne.
Following the murder of Elagabalus and his mother, Severus Alexander was proclaimed Emperor and Julia Mamaea, Augusta in 222 AD. Julia dominated her son and as such became the true ruler of the Empire. She was ruthless and extremely greedy and even her own son said that her greed was relentless.
Julia effectively drove any and all opposition out of the court, including her own son’s wife, Orbiana. Julia’s dominance knew no bounds and she even interfered with her son’s military decisions particularly during the German campaigns of 234-235 AD. It was her domination which fueled the resentment of the Legions. Finally, a general by the name of Maximinus led a revolt primarily against Julia. She, along with her son, were murdered by their own troops.
Monetary System
Mints: Rome
Obverse Legends:
IVLIA MAMAEA AVG
IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA
Portrait Styles:
1) Draped bust right bare head
2) Draped bust right with Diadem
DENOMINATIONS
AU Aureus (5.9 grms)
AU Quinarius (3.00 grms)
AR Denarius (2.68-2.5 grms)
AR Denarius (with diadem)
AR Quinarius (1.65 grms)
Æ Sesterius (27.6 grams)
Æ Dupondius (10.27 grams)
Æ As (9.86 grams)
Æ Tetradrachm (13.06 grams)
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