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Julia Domna (170-217 AD), born Julia Martha, was the child of an influential Syrian family. She took the name Domna, the feminine form of
dominus, or Latin for Lord, when she married the up-and-coming Septimus Severus in 187 AD. Her choice for a new cognomen made sense; after all, her horoscope foretold that the man she married would one day wear the purple. As it turned out, the prophecy actually came true, and Domna turned out to be one of the most honored and influential Empresses in Rome's history.
From the very start of Severus' reign in 193 AD), Domna played an important supporting role, traveling with her husband on campaign. Not since Faustina Jr. had an Empress traveled with and became so recognizable among the troops. For her efforts, Domna earned the rank of
Mater Castrorum (Mother of the Camp).
Domna supported not only the military, but also the arts and literature. She hung out with the literati of her day: the famous physician Galen, the renowned lawyer Ulpian, and the esteemed sophist Philostratus, just to name a few. With her captivating combination of great beauty and intelligence, Domna earned the nickname of “the Philosopher.” Her popularity didn’t stop there. The Senate, who named her
Mater Senatus, and even common citizens, who referred to her as
Mater Patriae, also adored their Augusta.
Even with all her successes, the Augusta, like her Augustus, was haunted by the discord between her two sons, Caracalla and Geta. The situation grew even more contentious upon Severus’ death in 211 AD. The brothers set up a barrier to divide their palace in Rome, and likewise planned to formally divide the Empire. Domna urgently tried to foster peace between her sons, and desperately wanted to believe Caracalla's good intentions when he asked her to invite Geta into private negotiations where their family differences could be settled. Domna fell for the ruse, and realizing her error – too late - tried in vain to shield Geta from Caracalla’s guards. Her youngest son died in her arms.
Somehow, the remarkable Domna recovered from the situation to continue as
Mater Augustorum alongside her elder son Caracalla. The obverse of this coin depicts Julia the following year, with an epithet intended to downplay family discord and fratricide - IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. However, it seems unlikely Domna felt either pious or happy about her traumatic experiences.
The coin’s verso depicts Pudicitia, the Goddess personifying modesty and sexual virtue. It is interesting to note that enemies of the Severan-Emesan dynasty routinely accused Domna of sexual impropriety, bringing into question the legitimacy of her heirs. Therefore, this coin represented a response to such accusations. Of particular note is that Pudicitia’s right hand is on her breast and she faces frontward, directly towards the coin's viewer. These were unusual numismatic conventions at the time, emphasizing the numismatic message via the goddess' direct and unflinching gaze.
For the next six years, Domna used her influence in support of her remaining son and his Empire. She also continued to appear on coinage, including issues bearing the same inscription as found on this coin. In this fashion, Domna was able to maintain her role as Rome's pious and happy Augusta, at least for a while. In 217 AD, an embittered Roman soldier murdered Caracalla as Rome's troops prepared for renewed hostilities on the eastern front. The treacherous plot was likely orchestrated by the Praetorian Prefect Macrinus, who was subsequently hailed as Rome's new Augustus. In any case, the Severan-Emesan dynasty had lost the throne, and Domna no longer reigned as Empress. As for the proud Domna's final fate, she reportedly starved herself to death, uninterested in a life devoid of her prophetical power and prestige.
Coin details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Julia Domna (193-217 AD), AR Denarius (3.24 g), Struck: 212 AD, Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Draped bust right, IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, Reverse: Pudicitia seated left, head and body facing, right hand on breast, sceptre in left, PVDICITIA, Reference: RIC IV 385; Cohen 172; Sear 7105.