Julia Maesa, the 3rd century noblewomen of Roman Empire was born today on 7th May around 170. She was a powerful, prominent and influential figure in the empire’s politics during the rule of the Severan dynasty.

Julia Maesa was born at Emesa in Syria to a high priest Bassianus and married a Roman senator, Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus. Her elder sister Julia Domna had married a senator named Septimius Severus, who later became emperor. Maesa managed to make two of her grandsons (Elagabalus and Severus Alexander) emperors.

Maesa's power is indicated by the fact that coins were minted with her portrait. She was well displayed on the coins minted during the reign of her grandchildren. Depicted above is silver denarius of Julia Maesa issued from Antioch mint. The obverse of a coin depicted the draped bust facing right and legend IVLIA MAESA AVG around. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin portray the Fecunditas seated left, holding branch and scepter.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions