A very interesting denarius of Julia Soaemias, mother of Emperor Elagabalus and one of the most important women at the Severan court. Following her son’s accession in AD 218, she received the title of Augusta and occupied an exceptionally prominent position within the new imperial regime.
Particularly noteworthy is the reverse depicting Venus Caelestis. The goddess is seated on a throne, holding an apple and a sceptre, while a small child stands before her with arms outstretched towards the deity. The composition clearly emphasises the themes of motherhood, fertility and dynastic continuity, making it especially appropriate for the coinage of the reigning emperor’s mother.
The epithet Caelestis – “Heavenly” is itself significant. The cult of Dea Caelestis was closely connected with eastern and North African religious traditions, while the reign of Elagabalus was marked by the particularly prominent presence of eastern cults in Rome.
Julia Soaemias’ position was entirely dependent upon the rule of her son. When Elagabalus was murdered by the Praetorian Guard in AD 222, she was killed alongside him, and her memory was subsequently condemned.
The present denarius therefore provides an interesting testimony to the female and dynastic propaganda of the court of Elagabalus, in which the figure of the emperor’s mother, the concept of motherhood, and the religious symbolism of Venus Caelestis were combined within a single carefully constructed image.
Roman Imperial
Julia Soaemias (218-222, mother of Elegabalus), Denarius 218-222, Rome mint
Obverse: draped bust right
IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG
Reverse: Venus seated left, holding apple and sceptre, child at left
VENVS CAELESTIS
Diameter 20 mm, weight 3.37 g
