Bronze Coin – AE 24, Roman Colonial Issue, c. 222-235 AD
Julia Mamaea (mother of Emperor Severus Alexander)
Obv: Julia bust, right
Rev: Fecunditas standing left
Mint: Deultum (Thrace)
Sear – GI3414 - 24mm, 7.4gm
Very fine, deep green patina
Julia Avita Mamaea or Julia Mamaea (14 or 29 August 182? – 235) was a Syrian noble woman and member of the Severan Dynasty. She was the mother of Roman emperor Severus Alexander and remained one of his chief advisors throughout his reign. She was killed in 235 by rebel soldiers alongside her son.Julia's first husband was a former consul whose name is unknown. Julia married as her second husband Syrian Promagistrate Marcus Julius Gessius Marcianus and bore two children during her marriage to Marcianus, a daughter Theoclia and a son, Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Augustus, later emperor Severus Alexander.
Julia Mamaea attained the title Augusta immediately following Severus Alexander's acquisition of the throne in 222. .Julia was attentive to the education of her son whom she prepared adequately for becoming emperor of Rome. Alexander thought much of his mother's advice and followed what she told him to do.
Though she was credited with her son's principled upbringing and the stability during his early reign, Alexander's military shortcomings were attributed to Mamaea by the army and ancient historians. By preventing his exposure to battles as a protective measure, Mamaea may have contributed to her son's deteriorating relationship with the army, and their subsequent death.
