[Born at Emesa, in Syria (date unknown). Died in Gaul, A.D. 235.]
The mother of Alexander Severus, for whom she governed wisely during his
minority. With many virtues, she possessed what, in the eyes of the
Roman soldiers, was invariably considered as a great vice--she was an
economist in her expenditure; and, disgusting the army by recommending
retrenchments, she gave occasion to a mutiny, to which she and her son
Alexander both fell victims. It is said that, whilst at Antioch, she
received instruction from Origen in the Christian faith.
[From the very beautiful Bust in the Florence Gallery.]
102A. MAMÆA--JULIA. _Roman Empress._
[The same as preceding, in advanced age.]