Julius Avitus or his full name Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus, was a Syrian noble that lived in the 2nd century and 3rd century CE.[1] He was born in Emesa (modern Homs, Syria). Originally a knight, Avitus gained consular rank, becoming the proconsul of the Roman Province of Asia.[1]
Avitus married Julia Maesa, the first daughter of Gaius Julius Bassianus, a high priest of the Temple of the Sun. The temple was dedicated to the Syrian Aramaean Sun God El-Gebal (counterpart to the Phoenician Baal) in Emesa. Maesas younger sister would be future Roman Empress Julia Domna. Avitus would be the future brother-in-law of future Roman Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus and uncle in marriage to Maesas nephews, future Roman Emperors Caracalla and Publius Septimius Geta.
Maesa bore Avitus two daughters and they were:
Julia Soaemias Bassiana, mother to future Roman Emperor Elagabalus
Julia Avita Mamaea, mother to future Roman Emperor Alexander Severus
His daughters were born and raised in Emesa. The altar of Avitus can be seen at
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