Julia Balbilla facts for kids

Julia Balbilla (Greek: Ἰουλία Βαλβίλλα, born in 72 CE – died after 130 CE) was a Roman noblewoman and a talented poet. She traveled to Egypt with the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his wife. While visiting Thebes, she wrote three special poems, called epigrams, which we can still read today.

Family and early life

Balbilla came from a very important family. They were part of the royal family of Kingdom of Commagene, a small kingdom in what is now Turkey. The Roman Empire later took control of Commagene. Balbilla's family had a mix of backgrounds, including Greek, Egyptian, Armenian, and Syrian roots.

Balbilla was the second child of Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes and Claudia Capitolina. Her mother was a Greek woman from Alexandria. Balbilla's older brother was Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos. He was one of the first men from the eastern part of the Roman Empire to become a consul in Rome. A consul was a very high-ranking official in the Roman government.

Balbilla's grandfathers were also important. Her mother's father was Tiberius Claudius Balbilus. He was a Greek man with Egyptian family. Balbilus was a smart scholar and an astrologer, someone who studied the stars. He became a high-ranking official and was the governor of Egypt from 55 to 59 CE. Balbilus and his father were friends with early Roman emperors like Tiberius and Claudius.

Her father's parents were Antiochus IV of Commagene and Queen Julia Iotapa. They were rulers of Commagene, but they followed Rome's orders. Balbilla was born and grew up in Rome at her grandfather Antiochus IV's home. Before she was born, the Emperor Vespasian had asked Antiochus IV to give up his throne. This was because he was thought to be disloyal to Rome. However, Vespasian still gave Antiochus IV enough money to live a very comfortable life in Rome. This meant Balbilla and her brother received a good Greek education.

Later, Balbilla's family moved to Athens. Her father, Epiphanes, died there when he was 92. Her mother, Capitolina, then went back to Alexandria and married another Roman politician. Capitolina lived the rest of her life in Alexandria. Balbilla stayed with her mother for a while, then returned to live with her brother, Philopappos, in Athens.

Even though Balbilla came from a noble family, her position in Rome might not have been completely secure. This was because her father was not a senator. However, her brother Philopappos did become a senator. He served until 109 CE. When Philopappos died in 116 CE, Balbilla built a special monument for him. It is called the Philopappos Monument and is located on Musaios Hill in Athens. Balbilla later married an aristocrat in Athens, but they did not have any children.

The Epigrams

Balbilla was a poet who was part of the imperial court. She was a friend of Emperor Hadrian and a companion to his wife, Vibia Sabina. In 129 CE, she traveled with them to the Valley of the Kings in Ancient Egypt. Balbilla was asked to write about the group's return visit from November 19 to 21, 130 CE.

Balbilla carved three poems, called epigrams, onto the legs of the Colossi of Memnon. These are two huge ancient statues in Egypt. She wrote them in a special Greek style called Aeolic Greek. The statues might have reminded Balbilla of the sculptures on Mount Nemrut. This was where her ancestor, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, had a mausoleum. She mentions her ancestors in her poems.

Even though these epigrams were public writings to honor the Roman imperial family, they were a bit like ancient graffiti. They included humor, history, and stories from myths. They were written in a style similar to the famous poet Homer. The poems show Balbilla's skill with words, using interesting comparisons and sounds. She was also inspired by the poet Sappho and wrote about her love for songs and the Muses, who were goddesses of art and science.

The first and second epigrams tell the story of a mythical king from Ethiopia named Memnon. The myth says he was killed by Achilles in the Trojan War, and the god Zeus made him immortal. In her poems, Balbilla is not really talking to Memnon. Instead, she is praising Emperor Hadrian and his wife Sabina.

When the August Hadrian Heard Memnon

Memnon the Egyptian I learnt, when warmed by the rays of the sun,
speaks from Theban stone.
When he saw Hadrian, the king of all, before rays of the sun,
he greeted him - as far as he was able.
But when the Titan driving through the heavens with his steeds of white,
brought into shadow the second measure of hours,
like ringing bronze Memnon again sent out his voice.
Sharp-toned, he sent out his greeting and for a third time a mighty roar.
The emperor Hadrian then himself bid welcome to
Memnon and left on stone for generations to come.
This inscription recounting all that he saw and all that he heard.
It was clear to all that the gods love him.

When with the August Sabina I Stood Before Memnon

Memnon, son of Aurora and holy Tithon,
seated before Thebes, city of Zeus,
or Amenoth, Egyptian King, as learned.
Priests recount from ancient stories,
greetings, and singing, welcome her kindly,
the August wife of the emperor Hadrian.
A barbarian man cut off your tongue and ears:
Impious Cambyses; but he paid the penalty,
with a wretched death struck by the same sword point
with which pitiless he slew the divine Apis.
But I do not believe that this statue of yours will perish,
I saved your immortal spirit forever with my mind.
For my parents were noble, and my grandfathers,
the wise Balbillus and Antiochus the king.

When on the first day
We didn't hear Memnon

Yesterday Memnon received [Hadrian's] wife in silence,
so that the beautiful Sabina might come back here again.
For the lovely form of our queen pleases you.
When she arrives, send forth a divine shout,
so the king won't be angry with you. As it is now,
you've fearlessly detained for too long his noble wedded wife.
And Memnon, trembling at the power of Hadrian,
suddenly spoke, and she rejoiced to hear it.

Balbilla dedicated the third epigram to her parents and grandfathers. She also mentioned her noble family background.

For pious were my parents and grandfathers:
Balbillus the Wise and King Antiochus;
Balbillus, the father of my mother of royal blood and King Antiochus, the father of my father. From their line I too draw my noble blood,
and these verses are mine, pious Balbilla.

After she wrote these poems, we don't know much more about Balbilla's life.

There is a fourth epigram, written in a different poetic style, that is often published with Balbilla's works. It was likely written by someone named "Demo" or "Damo." This poem is dedicated to the Muses. In it, Demo explains that Memnon showed her special respect. In return, Demo offers her poetry as a gift to the hero. At the end of this poem, she talks to Memnon, highlighting his divine status by remembering his strength and holiness. Evidence suggests this poem was written around 196 CE or later.

Demo

Son of Aurora, I greet you. For you addressed me kindly,
Memnon, for the sake of the Pierides, who care for me,
song-loving Demo. And bearing a pleasant gift,
my lyre will always sing of your strength, holy one.

Nerva–Antonine family tree

Images for kids

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  Memnon's right leg

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  Memnon's left leg