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Elizabeth A.Sackler Center for Feminist Art

Julia Mamaea

b. circa C.E. 180, Rome; d. circa 235, Moguntiacum (modern-day Mainz, Germany)

Julia Mamaea, the mother of Roman emperor Alexander Severus (ruled 222–235), was named a regent during his reign. Alexander was a weak ruler and true power was held first by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, and then his mother. She and Alexander traveled together on political and military campaigns, and were assassinated together in Moguntiacum (modern-day Mainz, Germany) by Roman soldiers who were disgusted with the emperor’s incompetence.