Julius Avitus

Julius Avitus or his full name Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus, was a Syrian noble that lived in the 2nd century and 3rd century. He originally came from Emesa (modern Homs, Syria). Avitus was originally, a Roman knight who became a man of consular rank. He became Roman Governor of Asia, Mesopotamia and Cyprus.

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. Maesa’s 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 Maesa’s 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 [http://www.lrz-muenchen.de/~arch/mitt/m097-3.htm]

ources:

* http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/0444.html
* http://www.livius.org/jo-jz/julia/julia_maesa.html