Cecilia Paulina was the wife of Maximinus Thrax, the Roman emperor who reigned in the years 235–238 CE. Although her character remains somewhat mysterious and we have little information about her in historical sources, we can learn some interesting facts about her life and role in the Roman Empire.
Maximinus the Thrax, the first emperor from outside aristocratic families, came from a poor, military family from Thrace. His power was based on military force, and his private life did not play a significant role in official chronicles. However, the fact that Cecilia Paulina became the wife of such an influential and brutal ruler proves her position among the upper layers of Roman society.
Although there are not many direct records regarding her activities, it is known that after her death in 235/6 CE. was deified, which was an important symbol of recognition in the Roman world. The empress was depicted on coins with the inscription “Diva Paulina”, which meant her elevation to divine rank. This could indicate that she was of great importance in public life and perhaps was respected, both as the emperor’s wife and as a figure after her death.
Despite the few surviving testimonies, the story of Cecilia Paulina fits into the typical pattern of empresses who often gained the status of goddesses posthumously, which was intended not only to strengthen the power of their husbands, but also to provide ideological continuity to Roman rule.
Cecilia Paulina and Maximinus the Thrax had a son, Gaius Julius Verus Maximus, who was appointed co-emperor during his father’s reign. Unfortunately, the son’s life ended tragically. In April 238 CE soldiers of the II Parthica legion murdered both their son and Maximin in their camp. Their heads were cut off, impaled on stakes and taken to Rome on horseback.
