They were four women named Julia, all descended from Bassianus, who was the high priest of Emesa's patron god, the sun god Heliogabalus or Elagabal. One was married to an emperor, three had sons who were Roman emperors, and another had two grandsons who were Roman emperors. But all four exercised real power and influence from their positions.
Julia Domna
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Classical sources say that Septimius Severus married Julia Domna, sight unseen, based on the word of astrologers. Unlike most Roman royal wives, she traveled with her husband on his military campaigns, and was in Britain when he was killed there. Her two sons were joint rulers of Rome until one committed fratricide; she gave up hope when that son was assassinated and Macrinus became emperor.
Julia Maesa
Sister of Julia Domna, Julia Maesa had two daughters, Julia Soaemias and Julia Mamaea. Julia Maesa helped see Macrinus overthrown and her grandson Elagabulus installed as emperor, and when he turned out to be an unpopular ruler who put religious change above administration, she may have helped in his assassination. She then helped another grandson, Alexander Severus, succeed his cousin Elagabulus.Julia Soaemias
Daughter of Julia Maesa, Julia Soaemias helped her mother overthrow Macrinus and make Julia Soaemias' son, Elagabalus, emperor. Her fate was tied to that of her unpopular son, who worked to bring Syrian gods to Rome.Julia Mamaea
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Julia Mamaea, another daughter of Julia Maesa, influenced her son Alexander Severus and ruled as his regent when he became emperor. His behavior in fighting enemies led to a rebellion, with dire consequences for both Julia and Alexander.
