Julia Soaemias was a Syrian-born Roman Empress and the mother of Emperor Elagabalus, who ruled from AD 218 to 222. She was born around AD 180 in Emesa, Roman Syria, and belonged to the powerful Severan imperial family. Her mother was Julia Maesa, while her aunt was the influential Empress Julia Domna.
Julia Soaemias married Sextus Varius Marcellus, a wealthy Syrian-born Roman senator and imperial official. Their son later became Emperor under the name Elagabalus. When he came to the throne as a teenager in AD 218, Julia received the title Augusta and played an important role at the imperial court.
In March AD 222, the Praetorian Guard turned against Elagabalus and transferred its support to his cousin, Severus Alexander. Julia Soaemias was killed together with her son.
Her coins usually bear the obverse legend IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG and show her draped bust. Common reverse types depict deities such as Venus Caelestis and Juno Regina, emphasising her imperial rank, religious associations and position within the ruling dynasty.
VENVS CAELESTIS: Latin for 'Heavenly Venus'
