Roman bust of Julia Mamaea

Roman bust of Julia Mamaei, mother of Emperor Alexander Severus, who was only thirteen years old (222 CE) at the time of his official reign. In practice, power was in the hands of his mother Julia Mammei and his influential grandmother Julia Maesa, who had a great influence on him.

During his reign, Alexander was a kind and polite boy who carried out his mother’s orders and requests. Even the chroniclers who were sympathetic to the emperor claimed that the ruler had too much respect for his mother and did not react to her negative actions. The son protested, but not very skillfully and quickly returned to his mother’s influence.

Alexander and his mother were murdered on March 21, 235 CE. at the hands of rebellious soldiers. Alexander’s death marked the fall of the Syrian (Severus) dynasty and the beginning of the great crisis of the 3rd century in the Empire.