#orbiana

myglyptothek: Faces of ancient Rome 

Orbiana. Augusta, AD 225-227. AR Denarius Rome mint. Special marriage issue, AD 225. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia. RIC IV 319 (Severus Alexander); RSC 1. VF

Gneaea Seia Herennia Sallustia Barbia Orbiana is best known as the wife of Severus Alexander. Possible one of three wives that he had. Little is known of Orbiana. She was from a distinguished family, the daughter of Senator Seius Sallustius Varius Marcinus. She was married to Severus Alexander around 225 when he was about 16. She must have initially met with the favor of Severus Alexander's mother Mamaea but this didn't last long. Orbiana had too much influence with Severus Alexander and this led to direct confrontation with Mamaea. Whether real or not, a plot was found to be led by Orbiana's father to turn the praetorian guards against Severus Alexander and put himself in power. The marriage between Severus Alexander and Orbiana was dissolved at Mamaea's insistence in 227 AD. Shortly later, Sallustius was executed and Orbiana was banished to North Africa. ORBIANA, wife of Severus Alexander. Augusta, 225 AD. AR Denarius (19mm, 2.83 gm). Diademed and draped bust right / Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC IV 319; RSC 1. VF

Bust of Empress Barbia Sallustia Orbiana, wife of Alexander Severus. Marble, 3rd century Бюст императрицы Барбии Саллюстии Орбианы, супруги Александра Севера. Мрамор, III век treasure