12 Facts About Julia Soaemias

Julia Soaemias Bassiana was a Syrian noblewoman and the mother of Roman emperor Elagabalus, who ruled over the Roman Empire from 218 to 222.

Julia Soaemias was one of his chief advisors, initially with the support and accompaniment of her mother Julia Maesa.

Julia Soaemias was killed along with her son by the Praetorian Guard.

Julia Soaemias was born and raised in Emesa, Syria and through her mother was related to the Royal family of Emesa, and through marriage, to the Severan dynasty of Ancient Rome.

Julia Soaemias was the first daughter of the powerful Syrian Roman noblewoman Julia Maesa and Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus, sister of Julia Avita Mamaea, niece of Julia Domna, and a niece by marriage of Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus.

Julia Soaemias's husband died in c 215, during his time as Roman governor in Numidia.

Julia Soaemias's family was allowed to return to Syria with their enormous wealth, and they returned to Emesa.

Cassius Dio records a different story, citing that Gannys, a "youth who has not yet reached manhood" and the lover of Julia Soaemias was the reason for the revolt.

Julia Soaemias assumed the senatorial title of clarissima and held a "Women's Senate" deciding on matters of fashion and protocol.

When Elagabalus' grandmother Julia Soaemias Maesa perceived that popular support for the emperor was waning, she decided that he and his mother, who had encouraged his religious practices, had to be replaced.

Julia Soaemias entered the camp to protect her son, and was slain along with Elagabalus by the Praetorian Guard in 222.

Julia Soaemias was later declared a public enemy and her name erased from all records.