Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Julia Balbilla

Role / Field:

A prominent Roman noble woman and poet from the 1st/2nd century AD.

Born:

72

Died:

130

Century / Era:

72s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Julia Balbilla (Greek: Ἰουλία Βαλβίλλα, AD 72 – after AD 130) was a Roman noble woman and poet. Whilst in Thebes, touring Egypt as part of the imperial court of Hadrian, she inscribed three epigrams which have survived. Balbilla's family were well-connected members of the royal family of the Kingdom of Commagene, a principality in what is now Turkey which was annexed by the Roman Empire. As well as Egyptian and Greek elements, Balbilla's ancestry included Armenian, Median, Syrian and Seleucian lines.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Balbilla was the second child of Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes and Claudia Capitolina, a Greek woman born in Alexandria. Her older brother was Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, one of the first men of eastern descent to become consul at Rome. Balbilla's parents were distant cousins. Claudia Capitolina's paternal grandmother was Aka II of Commagene, the great-granddaughter of Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Balbilla's father, was the first born child of Antiochus IV of Commagene and Julia Iotapa of Commagene.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Both Antiochus IV and Iotapa were descendants of Antiochus I Theos. Balbilla's maternal grandfather, after whom she was named, was...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 72 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 72
• 130 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 130

Frequently Asked Questions about Julia Balbilla