Julius Avitus

Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus (died 217 What is known about him is from surviving inscriptional and Roman historical evidence. Through marriage he was a relation to the Royal family of Emesa and the ruling Severan dynasty of the Roman Empire.

He was an Equestrian officer In 216–217, Alexianus became a comes to Caracalla on his campaign against the Parthian Empire. He died from old age on his way to Cyprus, sent there by Caracalla in early 217 to act as an advisor to the Governor.

Marriage and issue Alexianus married the Syrian noblewoman Julia Maesa, the first daughter of Julius Bassianus, a high priest of the Temple of the Sun. The temple was dedicated to the Syrian Aramaic Sun God El-Gebal (counterpart to the Phoenician Baal) in Emesa. The younger sister of Maesa was Septimius Severus' empress Julia Domna, who was the mother of the emperors Caracalla and Geta.

Maesa bore two distinguished daughters to Alexianus who were born and raised in Syria: Julia Soaemias Bassiana (c. 180–222) Julia Avita Mamaea (after 180–235)

Among his grandchildren were the emperors Elagabalus and Severus Alexander. Severan dynasty family tree