Maternal Megalomania: Julia Domna and the Imperial Politics of Motherhood

Focuses on the Severan dynasty, with a particular emphasis on Julia Domna and the political utilization of her image. The author examines literary, numismatic, and epigraphic sources to understand how the imperial administration and various social groups negotiated ideology through Julia Domna's portrayal, often contrasting official narratives with unofficial perceptions. The text explores the complex relationship between imperial women and various power structures, including the military and the Senate, highlighting how Julia Domna's image was strategically manipulated to legitimize the emperor and his successors, even as her actual influence might have fluctuated. It also discusses the economic and social policies of Septimius Severus, particularly as they relate to the urban plebs and the military.You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms:https://linktr.ee/book_shelterGet the Book now from Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Maternal-Megalomania-Imperial-Politics-Motherhood/dp/1421408473?&linkCode=ll1&tag=cvthunderx-20&linkId=790e040fa264423bb27bf52d7fa0a2e2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tlProduced by Podcai Studio:https://www.podcaistudio.com/