11 Facts About Claudia Capitolina

Claudia Capitolina was an Egyptian Greek woman who lived in the Roman Empire, in the 1st century and possibly in the 2nd century.

Claudia Capitolina was a Princess of Commagene by marriage to Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes.

Claudia Capitolina's father was one of the highest magistrates of Equestrian rank that served in Rome.

Claudia Capitolina's paternal grandfather, was an Egyptian Greek Grammarian and Astrologer called Thrasyllus of Mendes or Tiberius Claudius Thrasyllus, who was a friend of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, while her paternal grandmother was Greek Princess Aka II of Commagene, who was a great, granddaughter of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene.

In 64, Claudia Capitolina married a Greek Prince from the Kingdom of Commagene called Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes, who was a paternal second cousin to Claudia Capitolina.

Claudia Capitolina is not mentioned by Roman Sources, however has been identified as the wife of Epiphanes and mother of Epiphanes' children, through surviving honorific inscriptions and surviving honorific poetry dedicated to her.

Claudia Capitolina bore Epiphanes in 65 their first son and child Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos in Samosata.

In 72, Claudia Capitolina bore Epiphanes another child, a daughter named Julia Balbilla in Rome.

Claudia Capitolina lived her remaining years in Egypt and married the politician Marcus Junius Rufus between 94 and 98.

Claudia Capitolina's son remained in Athens where he became a prominent citizen.

Claudia Capitolina's daughter became a prominent poet and became a travelling friend to the Roman Emperor Hadrian and wife Roman Empress Vibia Sabina.