Look at this painting of the family of Empress Julia Domna and answer the questions.
1.- What dynasty did this family start? Who are its members? What was the previous dynasty?
2.- What elements do the characters share? Do they seem equally important?
3.- Look up the meaning of the words tondo and damnatio memoriae, related to the painting.
4.- Which character is erased? What is the reason?
5.- Find out how the empress Julia Domna was related to Julia Maesa, Julia Soaemias and Julia Mamaea and which emperors they contributed to the Empire. Why have they been called "Syrian empresses"?
6.- Julia Domna felt admiration for the queens Semiramis and Nitocris. When her son died, she tried to rule alone and, when this turned to be impossible, she decided to die of starvation. Did she have political ambition?
7.- In addition to her political power, Julia Domna has been called "the philosopher" and has been compared to Aspasia of Miletus. In which period and city did this woman live? Which fields did she excel in?
8.- The important position denoted by Julia Domna in the public sphere arises from the lavish designation of Iulia pia felix Augusta mater Augusti nostri et castrorum et senatus et patriae. In which contexts was authority granted to her?