Tiberius Julius Balbillus[1] also known as Julius Balbillus[2] and Aurelius Julius Balbillus[3] (flourished second half of the 2nd century and the first half of the 3rd century) was an Emesene aristocrat from the Emesene dynasty in Roman Syria who served as a priest of the cult of Elagabalus (Latinized Aramaic name for the Syrian Sun God[4]) in Rome during the reigns of the Severan emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla .[5]
Little is known on the origins of Balbillus; he was a direct descendant of the king Antiochus I Theos of Commagene[1] and a relation of the Roman empress Julia Domna[6] and her family. According to surviving inscriptions in Rome, Balbillus was a relation to Titus Julius Balbillus, another priest from the cult of Elagabalus in Rome.[7]
Balbillus is known from inscriptions as priest of Elagabalus in Rome during the reigns of Septimius Severus and Caracalla,[2] which are dated before 218.[8] The temple based in Rome devoted to ancient Syrian deities, including Elagabalus was located in Trastevere.[9] A priest in the cult of Elagabalus was called a sacerdos Solis,[10] while Elagabalus's cult was called the Sol Invictus Elagabal.[10]
The priesthood of Balbillus, began at an unknown date before the end of the second century.[8] From inscriptions at the temple reveals, that Balbillus enjoyed imperial favour and established good cordial relations with the Vestal Virgins.[11] Prior to the reign of Elagabalus, Balbillus represented the cult of Elagabalus in Rome.[12] He probably catered the ritual needs connected with the cult of Elagabalus for Septimius Severus and Caracalla, which may have arisen among the Emesene members of the Severan household.[12]
From a surviving inscription in Rome dated April 4, 215, Balbillus dedicated an inscription in gratitude to the Vestal Virgin Terentia Flavola for the many services she had rendered him.[7] Despite the fact that Balbillus was a Roman citizen[3] from the Constitutio Antoniniana in 212 Balbillus assumed the Roman nomen Aurelius as after 215, Balbillus was also known as Aurelius Julius Balbillius.[3] After this moment, no more is known on Balbillus.