Titus Julius Balbillus[1] (flourished second half of the 2nd century and 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) in Rome during the reigns of the Severan emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla .
Although little is known on the origins of Balbillus, he was related to Tiberius Julius Balbillus, also known as Aurelius Julius Balbillus,[2] another priest from the cult of Elagabalus in Rome.[3] Like Tiberius Julius Balbillus,[4] Balbillus was also a relation of the Roman empress Julia Domna and her family.
Balbillus is known from inscriptions as a priest of Elagabalus in Rome during the reigns of Septimius Severus and Caracalla, which are dated before 218.[1] The temple based in Rome devoted to ancient Syrian deities, including Elagabalus was located in Trastevere.[5] A priest in the cult of Elagabalus was called a sacerdos Solis,[6] while Elagabalus's cult was called the Sol Invictus Elagabal.[6]
The priesthood of Balbillus began at an unknown date before the end of the second century.[1] From the surviving inscriptions, it is revealed that Balbillus enjoyed imperial favour from the Severan dynasty.[7]
On January 15, 201, Balbillus made a dedication to the Vestal Virgin Numisia Maximilla.[6] Five days later, on January 20, 201, Balbillus had an inscription carved in honor of Claudius Julianus, the praefectus annonum.[8] A freedman called Eudemon showed his gratitude to Balbillus as his top patron by an inscription dedication.[9] Balbillus as a priest, was honored as Eudemon's protector, and he expressed his gratitude on the occasion to commemorate his patron.[9] After this moment, no more is known on Balbillus.