Julia Domna

Julia Domna (160-217 CE) was a Syrian-born Roman empress during the reign of her husband, Roman emperor Septimius Severus (r. April 193 - February 211 CE). She was also the mother of the emperors Geta (r. 209-211 CE) and Caracalla (r. 198-217 CE, sole ruler 211-217 CE), whom she persuaded to accept joint rule after Severus' death, per the latter's wishes. She was a well-known figure in imperial politics, especially after the death of her husband; according to Cassius Dio, Caracalla granted Julia wide latitude to administer the empire in his stead during his extensive military campaigns. From 212 through 217 CE, while Caracalla was sole emperor after Geta's murder, Julia received petitions, presided over public receptions, and handled official correspondence, and Caracalla included her name alongside his own in his letters to the Roman Senate. The actual extent of Julia's power is disputed by Julia Langford in her book on Domna's role in Severan dynasty ideology and propaganda.