Julia Domna To The Mother Venus

Following the infighting of AD 193, Septimius Severus and Julia Domna sought to establish a new dynasty of rulers for the empire. Together with their sons Caracalla and Geta they intended to present to the world a vision of the imperial family as striving harmoniously together for the good of Rome and the Empire, with each person appointed their role in the machinery of governance. As befitted the mother of the future emperors, Julia Domna quickly appropriated the role of Mother Venus as the reverse legend of this coin attests.

Julia Domna, as Empress and mother to the future emperor's Caracalla and Geta, was particularly suited to the aspects of motherhood and domesticity that Venus Genetrix embodied, characteristics that were further expressed in the companion type of the same issue which features Fecunditas with two children. This reverse type, by highlighting these attributes, places particular emphasis on traditional Roman family values, which were an important part of the harmonious dynastic picture Severus and Julia wished to cultivate. However, it also ensured to glorify Severus by association through the presence of Cupid who, in some Latin mythology, was the son of Venus and Mars, God of War. VENVS GENETRIX - Venus Genetrix: Mother Venus.