Titus Julius Balbillus

Titus Julius Balbillus[1] (flourished second half of the 2nd century & first half of the 3rd century) was an Emesene Assyrian Aristocrat from the Royal family of Emesa in Roman Syria who served as a Priest of the cult of El-Gebal in Rome during the reigns of the Severan Roman emperors Lucius Septimius Severus, reign 193-211 and Caracalla, reign 211-217. El-Gebal is the Aramaic name for the Syrian Sun God.[2]

Little is known on the origins of Balbillus, however he was a relation to Tiberius Julius Balbillus also, known as Aurelius Julius Balbillus[3] another Priest from the cult of El-Gebal in Rome.[4] Like Tiberius Julius Balbillus,[5] Balbillus was also a relation of the Roman Empress Julia Domna and her family.

Balbillus is known from inscriptions as a Priest of El-Gebal in Rome during the reigns of Lucius Septimius Severus and Caracalla which are dated before 218.[6] The temple based in Rome devoted to ancient Syrian deities, including El-Gebal was located in Trastevere.[7] A priest in the cult of El-Gebal was called a sacerdos Solis,[8] while El-Gebal’s cult was called the Sol Invictus Elagabal.[9]

The Priesthood of Balbillus, began at an unknown date before the end of the second century.[10] From the surviving inscriptions, reveals that Balbillus enjoyed imperial favour from the Severan dynasty.[11]

On January 15 201, Balbillus made a dedication to the Vestal Virgin Numisia Maximilla.[12] Five days later, on January 20 201, Balbillus had an inscription carved in honor of Claudius Julianus, the praefectus annonum.[13] A freedman called Eudemon showed his gratitude to Balbillus as his top patron by an inscription dedication.[14] Balbillus as a priest, was honored as Eudemon’s protector and he expressed his gratitude on the occasion to commemorate his patron.[15] After this moment, no more is known on Balbillus.

References

  1. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.53
  2. ↑ Birley, Septimius Severus: The African Emperor, p.71
  3. ↑ Wacher, The Roman world, Vol 2, p.697
  4. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.55
  5. ↑ Prado, The Emperor Elagabalus: Fact or Fiction?
  6. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.53
  7. ↑ Prado, The Emperor Elagabalus: Fact or Fiction?, p.147
  8. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.54
  9. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.54
  10. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.53
  11. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.77
  12. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.54
  13. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.p.54-5
  14. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.78
  15. ↑ Halsberghe, The Cult of Sol Invictus, p.78

Sources

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