Description
Book SynopsisShe employs Julia Domna as a case study to explore the creation of ideology between the emperor and its subjects.
Trade ReviewUsing contemporary and later literary sources and artifacts such as imperial coins and monument inscriptions produced during the Severan dynasty, Langford questions Empress Julia Domna's power and influence in Severan politics. Choice Provocative and original... Langford's conclusions are daring and... mark out significant new territory in the study of the political culture of the High Empire. -- Adam Kemezis Bryn Mawr Classical Review In just 123 pages, Langford adds a new dimension to the proliferation of texts about Rome's first third-century empress. -- Ryan Ricciardi New England Classical Journal
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
Julia Domna Who?
Carving Out a Niche
Severan Dynastic Propaganda and Julia Domna
1. Not Your Momma
Problematizing Julia Domna as the Mater Castrorum
Women and the Military
Faustina the Younger: The Mother of All Mothers of the Camp
The Military and the Domus Augusta: All in the Family?
Severus and the Mater Castrorum Title
Severus, the Military, and Julia Domna
About Face!
Conclusion
2. Romancing the Romans
Julia Domna and the Populus Romanus
The Nature of the Sources
The Princeps and the Plebs
The Roman Populace, Public Demonstrations, and Divine Inspiration
Severan Propaganda and the Urban Plebs
Roman Matrona, Mother, and Protectress
Severus, the Populus Romanus, and the Collegia
And Julia Domna?
But What Does It All Mean?
3. Mater Senatus, Mater Patriae
Julia Domna as Senatorial Savior
Natural Rivals: Imperial Women and the Senate
Severus's Senate
Creating Consensus in the Senate: Wooing, Marginalizing, and Exterminating
Negotiating Dynasty: Maternal Megalomania and Senatorial Subversions
Julia Domna in Cassius Dio
Moderating Maternal Megalomania
Conclusion
Ideological Crisis
On the Dangers of Taking Ideology Too Seriously
Appendix A: Hoard Details of the Severan Hoard Analysis Database by Clare Rowan
Appendix B: Frequency of Julia Domna Coin Types in Hoards around the Mediterranean
Appendix C: Dating the Mater Senatus, Mater Patriae Titles
Notes
Bibliography
Index
