One Julia was not enough! Julia Domna was my first and she's still my favorite. I couldn't decide which Julia would be my second so I purchased all four of the Julias on my list. I must confess—at risk of sounding shallow and superficial—that I selected only the prettiest of each that I could find. This is out of character for me because I've learned from life experience that when I make assumptions about people based on appearance—I'm usually wrong. I've met physically beautiful people who are terrible human beings—and scary looking people who have hearts of gold. Anyway, here's my latest and thanks for the inspiration.
A great set. One pretty accessible and inspiring. I've got 2 Julia Domna coins and will try to acquire the other ladies in coming years. I'm a sucker for a pretty face. But I'd like to get a Julia Maesa portrait that really shows her age. You've got the botox version. A little harder to get: the Julia Domna action figure! https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/...zo_Massimo_alle_Terme,_Rome_(10171693465).jpg
If I were to have bet on the existence of this item, I would have lost. I do note that the caption says the figure "has a face and hairstyle imitating that of the empress Julia Domna" rather than "is Julia Domna" which is a giant step forward from so many sculptures from antiquity but I would love to know the original purpose for which this item was made. Maesa:
As usual, a lovely presentation of some great coins! Have you considered adding the infamous Julia who was arrested for adultery and treason, Augustus' daughter with his second wife Scribonia? Here's a bronze from Pergamon of Livia and Julia. Since Julia is portrayed as Aphrodite, the the issue is likely to proceed Julia's disgrace in 2 BC. 10-2 BC Livia and Julia Pergamon mint AE 3.957gm - 18.7mm, 180o Obv: ΛΙΒΙΑΝ ΗΡΑΝ ΨΑΡΙΝΟΣ, draped bust of Livia right (as Hera) Rev: ΙΟYΛΙΑΝ ΑΦΡΟΔΙΤΗΝ, draped bust of Julia right (as Aphrodite) Reference: RPC I 2359
What about the Julia Domna chia head from York? http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/roman/roman-head-pot Or, more accurately, the "chia head with features of Julia Domna." Seems like the Severan ladies were the Kardashians of the second century--fashion plates even for the far-flung provinces.
Cool @Deacon Ray ! Nice gaggle of geese! Julia Domna RI Julia Domna 193-195 CE AR Den Vesta Palladium Julia Maesa: RI Julia Maesa AR Denarius Pudicitia 3.1g 19mm Sear 2183 Julia Mamaea: RI Julia Mamaea AR denarius Pietas incense altar perfume Seaby 48 Julia Paula: Julia Paula Augusta AD 219-220 AR Denarius 18 mm 3.10g Antioch mint AD 219-220 - Venus Genetrix seated left holding apple scepter RIC IV 222 RSC 21 Julia Soaemias: RI Julia Soaemias 218-222 CE AR Den Venus Caelestis star RIC IV 241
Great coins, they were some of the first ones I grabbed when I got into ancients. Affordable and pretty ladies.
Very nice coins @Deacon Ray - thanks for sharing. It's also interesting to compare the sculpted busts to the coin portraits.
That's a beautiful collection, @Alegandron , but I really like your Julia Mamaea! Her expression is the look a mother would give one of her children when she catches him/her in a lie.
Thanks, @ancient coin hunter ! I think if I were a billionaire I would have an estate full of marble busts of famous people. But—I'm not—so I must settle for a few coins. Just kidding—I'm Blessed and Joyful with what I have!
A perfect presentation of these 5 Augustas , 100% eye appeal, thanks Ray. My favourite Augusta, she governed the empire for 13 years,one though lady:
I suppose the next thing you will tell me is that there are Chia pets, action figures or blow up lawn figures of the Royal Family or First Ladies. If Julia can, why not?
Neat Julia set! Make it an even half dozen with a Julia Titi. Julia Titi AR Denarius, 3.09g Rome mint, 80-81 AD (Titus) RIC 388 (C2). BMC 142. RSC 14. Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F •; Bust of Julia Titi, draped and diademed, r., hair in long plait Rev: VENVS AVGVST; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, August 2017.
Gavin called this a "chia head". The museum site calls it a "head pot". It would naturally be called a "pot head" except here in Oregon that has a different meaning.