Julia Domna - Family Background

Family Background

Julia was from a Syrian family, thought to be of Arab descent, of the city of Emesa. She was the youngest daughter of the high-priest Gaius Julius Bassianus and her eldest sister was Julia Maesa. Her ancestors were Priest Kings of the famous temple of Elagabalus (syr. Ilāh hag-Gabal). The family had enormous wealth and was promoted to Roman senatorial aristocracy.