Julia Balbilla
Encyclopedia
Julia Balbilla was a noble Roman woman and a poet who lived between the 1st century and 2nd century in the Roman Empire
.
. She was the daughter, second child and youngest one born to Greek prince of Commagene, Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
and an Egypt
ian Greek
woman called Claudia Capitolina
. The eldest brother and only sibling was the prominent Athenian Citizen and consul Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos
.
Balbilla’s parents were distantly related. The paternal grandmother of Claudia Capitolina was Greek Princess Aka II of Commagene
, who was a granddaughter or great, granddaughter of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
. While her father, was the first born son to King Antiochus IV of Commagene
and his wife Queen Julia Iotapa
of Commagene. Antiochus IV and Iotapa were direct descendants of Antiochus I Theos.
Her maternal grandparents were Tiberius Claudius Balbilus
and an unnamed Greek woman. Balbilla was named in honor and was the namesake of her maternal grandfather. Balbilus was an Egyptian Greek and was one of the highest magistrates of Equestrian rank that served in Rome
. Balbilus was an astrologer and a learned scholar, who was later Prefect
of Egypt. Balbilus and his father, Egyptian Greek Grammarian and Astrologer called Thrasyllus of Mendes
or Tiberius Claudius Thrasyllus, were friends to the first Roman Emperor
s, which included Tiberius
, Claudius
and Vespasian
.
Her paternal grandparents were Roman Client Monarchs, King Antiochus IV of Commagene
and Queen Julia Iotapa
. Antiochus IV and Iotapa were husband, wife and full blooded-siblings. Balbilla is the only known granddaughter born to the last ruling monarchs of Commagene. She was of Armenia
n, Greek
and Medes
descent. Through her paternal grandparents, she was a direct descendant from the Greek Syria
n Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
and the Greek Egyptian
Kingdom the Ptolemaic dynasty
.
Balbilla was born and raised in Rome. Before Balbilla was born the Roman Emperor
Vespasian
, had given orders to Antiochus IV to terminate his rule over Commagene, because there were accusations made that Antiochus IV; her father and her paternal uncle prince Callinicus
of disloyalty to the Emperor. They were planning to ally themselves to the Kingdom of Parthia
and revolt against the Roman Empire
. It is unknown whether these accusations were true or false.
While Balbilla lived in Rome, she was raised in the household of her paternal grandfather, Antiochus IV. In the household of the paternal grandfather lived Antiochus IV; prince Callinicus
; her parents and her brother. Vespasian had given Antiochus IV, sufficient revenue for him and his family to live on. Her and her family had a glamorous life in Rome and were treated with great respect. With her brother, they had a traditional Greek education of the Wealthy Class.
After the deaths of her grandfathers, Epiphanes; Capitolina; Philopappos and Balbilla left Rome. The family moved and settled in Athens
, Greece
. Balbilla’s father Epiphanes died in Athens in 92 of unknown causes. After the death of Epiphanes, Capitolina returned to her birth city of Alexandria
, Egypt
where she married for the second time to the Roman Politician Marcus Junius Rufus
. Capitolina spent her remaining years in her birth city and for a period of time Balbilla was with her mother and later returned to Philopappos in Athens. There is a possibility that Balbilla had an interest in astrology
.
Although Balbilla belonged to the Roman Aristocracy, there is a possibility that she didn’t inherit any dignity from the Roman Senate. Her late father, was not of Senatorial Rank, but was brother became a Roman Senator, who served as a consul in 109. In 116 Philopappos died and as a dedicated to his memory, Balbilla bequeathed a splendid burial moment known as The Philopappos Monument, which is situated on the Musaios Hill, south west of the Acropolis
in Athens
. Through the influence, political and religious activity of Philopappos, she had met the Roman Emperor
Trajan
, Trajan’s heir and paternal second cousin Hadrian
and also their families.
At some date in Athens, Balbilla married an unnamed Roman aristocrat. There is a possibility that her husband could have been of Senatorial Rank and through this marriage she inherited Senatorial Rank. Unfortunately there is no record of any children nor any descendants from this marriage, however her husband most probably died before 129.
, Roman Emperor
Hadrian
; his wife and Roman Empress Vibia Sabina
were escorted by Balbilla, as they visited the Valley of the Kings
in Ancient Egypt
in 129. How Balbilla became their escort in Egypt
is unknown.
During 19–21 November 130, in commemoration of their visit to the Valley of the Kings, Hadrian, Sabina and Balbilla returned again to the Valley of the Kings. Hadrian and Sabina, commissioned Balbilla to record their visit in 130 to the Valley of the Kings. Balbilla was a court-poetess and friend to Hadrian and Sabina. Hadrian and Sabina were her patrons while they were in Egypt, however she didn’t receive any privileges from them.
Balbilla inscribed four epigrams in Aeolic Greek
, the language used by the great Greek Poet Sappho
eight centuries earlier. Balbilla was inspired and influenced by the lyric poetry of Sappho. These four epigrams known as Epigrammata, were inscribed and are preserved on lower parts on one of the Colossi of Memnon
. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III
(flourished 14th century BC
), to stand guard at the entrance of Amenhotep’s memorial temple. (Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings are two separate archaeological sites that are both located on the west bank of (Thebes, Egypt
). When Balbilla had seen the Colossi of Memnon, these stone statues reminded her of the colossal sculptures on Mount Nemrut
and the mausoleum of her ancestor King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
.
These four epigrams are considered by Modern Historians/Scholars as “graffiti” and Hadrian and Sabina approved them, they are considered as public inscriptions. These witty epigrams have a Homer
ic Tone and the epigrams are caught up between history and mythology. The poems display good use of metaphor
s, verbal and sound echoes. Balbilla in her epigrams demonstrates a traditional lyric poet: a lover for song and a liking for the Muses.
These epigrams reveal the learned, interesting personality of Balbilla. However at the same time, these epigrams honors Hadrian, Sabina and honors Balbilla’s descent. Although these epigrams have no particular literary value, they reveal Balbilla as a poet identity and by Balbilla inscribing her name on the Colossi of Memnon, she is acknowledging and making reference to her royal and aristocratic descent.
The first and second epigram honors and tells the story of a mythical King of Ethiopia
Memnon
, who was killed by soldier Achilles
at Troy
and whom the God Zeus
made immortal. Balbilla finds she is not addressing Memnon, but is flattering Hadrian and Sabina.
The third Epigram Demo, is a dedication to the Muse
s, alluding her poetry to them, making her poetry as divinely favoured. She explains that Memnon has shown her special respect. Demo offers her in return her gift for poetry, as a gift to the hero. In the end of this epigram, she addresses Memnon highlighting his divine status in recalling his strength and holiness.
The fourth and final epigram, Balbilla dedicates to her parents and grandfathers. This epigram is dedicated also to her noble and aristocratic blood.
After her poetry, no more is known on Balbilla.
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
.
Family & Early Life
Balbilla was a woman who came aristocratic and well-connected origins. She was a princess and a member of the exiled Royal Family who were from the Kingdom of CommageneKingdom of Commagene
The Kingdom of Commagene was an ancient kingdom of the Hellenistic Age.Little is known of the region of Commagene prior to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. However, it seems that, from what little evidence remains, Commagene formed part of a larger state that also included Sophene...
. She was the daughter, second child and youngest one born to Greek prince of Commagene, Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes
Gaius Julius Archelaus Antiochus Epiphanes, also known as Julius Archelaus Epiphanes; Epiphanes; Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes or simply known as Gaius was an influential prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century.Epiphanes was the first-born son and child to King...
and an Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
ian Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
woman called Claudia Capitolina
Claudia Capitolina
Claudia Capitolina was an Egyptian Greek woman who lived in the Roman Empire, in the 1st century and possibly in the 2nd century. Capitolina came from a distinguished family of Equestrian rank. She was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt. Capitolina was the daughter and only child of Tiberius...
. The eldest brother and only sibling was the prominent Athenian Citizen and consul Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos
Philopappos
Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, was a Prince of the Kingdom of Commagene who lived in the Roman Empire during the 1st century and 2nd century. He was one of the most prominent Greeks who lived in the Roman Empire....
.
Balbilla’s parents were distantly related. The paternal grandmother of Claudia Capitolina was Greek Princess Aka II of Commagene
Aka II of Commagene
Aka II of Commagene, also known as Aka II was a Princess from the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived between the 1st century BC and 1st century. She was of Armenian and Greek descent.There are two possibilities on the origins of Aka II...
, who was a granddaughter or great, granddaughter of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos (Greek: о Αντίοχος Θεός Δίκαιος Επιφανής Φιλορωμαίος Φιλέλλην, meaning Antiochos, a just, eminent god, friend...
. While her father, was the first born son to King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
and his wife Queen Julia Iotapa
Iotapa
Iotapa or Iotape also known as Iotapi was the name of various queens and princesses who lived in between the 2nd century BC, 1st century BC, 1st century and 2nd century. The name Iotapa or Iotape originally derives from the name Jotapa or Jotape, which was a name of Persian origin...
of Commagene. Antiochus IV and Iotapa were direct descendants of Antiochus I Theos.
Her maternal grandparents were Tiberius Claudius Balbilus
Tiberius Claudius Balbilus
Tiberius Claudius Balbillus or Balbilus, also known as ‘Balbillus the Wise‘, was an Egyptian Greek astrologer and a learned scholar. Balbillus was the son of astrologer Tiberius Claudius Thrasyllus, also known as Thrasyllus of Mendes and Princess Aka II of Commagene, who was either a granddaughter...
and an unnamed Greek woman. Balbilla was named in honor and was the namesake of her maternal grandfather. Balbilus was an Egyptian Greek and was one of the highest magistrates of Equestrian rank that served in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. Balbilus was an astrologer and a learned scholar, who was later Prefect
Prefect
Prefect is a magisterial title of varying definition....
of Egypt. Balbilus and his father, Egyptian Greek Grammarian and Astrologer called Thrasyllus of Mendes
Thrasyllus of Mendes
Thrasyllus of Mendes, whose full name was Tiberius Claudius Thrasyllus , was an Egyptian Greek grammarian and literary commentator from Mendes, Egypt...
or Tiberius Claudius Thrasyllus, were friends to the first Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
s, which included Tiberius
Tiberius
Tiberius , was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. Tiberius was by birth a Claudian, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced Nero and married Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian...
, Claudius
Claudius
Claudius , was Roman Emperor from 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, he was the son of Drusus and Antonia Minor. He was born at Lugdunum in Gaul and was the first Roman Emperor to be born outside Italy...
and Vespasian
Vespasian
Vespasian , was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD. Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Empire for a quarter century. Vespasian was descended from a family of equestrians, who rose into the senatorial rank under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty...
.
Her paternal grandparents were Roman Client Monarchs, King Antiochus IV of Commagene
Antiochus IV of Commagene
Gaius Julius Antiochus IV Epiphanes , the last king of Commagene, reigned between 38-72 as a client king to the Roman Empire.-Life:Antiochus was a prince and son of Antiochus III of Commagene and his mother was Queen Iotapa of Commagene. The parents of Antiochus IV were full-blooded siblings, who...
and Queen Julia Iotapa
Iotapa
Iotapa or Iotape also known as Iotapi was the name of various queens and princesses who lived in between the 2nd century BC, 1st century BC, 1st century and 2nd century. The name Iotapa or Iotape originally derives from the name Jotapa or Jotape, which was a name of Persian origin...
. Antiochus IV and Iotapa were husband, wife and full blooded-siblings. Balbilla is the only known granddaughter born to the last ruling monarchs of Commagene. She was of Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
n, Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Medes
Medes
The MedesThe Medes...
descent. Through her paternal grandparents, she was a direct descendant from the Greek Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n Kingdom the Seleucid Empire
Seleucid Empire
The Seleucid Empire was a Greek-Macedonian state that was created out of the eastern conquests of Alexander the Great. At the height of its power, it included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, today's Turkmenistan, Pamir and parts of Pakistan.The Seleucid Empire was a major centre...
and the Greek Egyptian
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was an ancient civilization of Northeastern Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the modern country of Egypt. Egyptian civilization coalesced around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh...
Kingdom the Ptolemaic dynasty
Ptolemaic dynasty
The Ptolemaic dynasty, was a Macedonian Greek royal family which ruled the Ptolemaic Empire in Egypt during the Hellenistic period. Their rule lasted for 275 years, from 305 BC to 30 BC...
.
Balbilla was born and raised in Rome. Before Balbilla was born the Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Vespasian
Vespasian
Vespasian , was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD. Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Empire for a quarter century. Vespasian was descended from a family of equestrians, who rose into the senatorial rank under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty...
, had given orders to Antiochus IV to terminate his rule over Commagene, because there were accusations made that Antiochus IV; her father and her paternal uncle prince Callinicus
Callinicus (Prince of Commagene)
Callinicus was a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century. Callinicus was the second-born son and child to King Antiochus IV of Commagene and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. His parents were full-blooded siblings. His parents were Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene that lived...
of disloyalty to the Emperor. They were planning to ally themselves to the Kingdom of Parthia
Parthia
Parthia is a region of north-eastern Iran, best known for having been the political and cultural base of the Arsacid dynasty, rulers of the Parthian Empire....
and revolt against the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
. It is unknown whether these accusations were true or false.
While Balbilla lived in Rome, she was raised in the household of her paternal grandfather, Antiochus IV. In the household of the paternal grandfather lived Antiochus IV; prince Callinicus
Callinicus (Prince of Commagene)
Callinicus was a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who lived in the 1st century. Callinicus was the second-born son and child to King Antiochus IV of Commagene and Queen Iotapa of Commagene. His parents were full-blooded siblings. His parents were Roman Client Monarchs of Commagene that lived...
; her parents and her brother. Vespasian had given Antiochus IV, sufficient revenue for him and his family to live on. Her and her family had a glamorous life in Rome and were treated with great respect. With her brother, they had a traditional Greek education of the Wealthy Class.
After the deaths of her grandfathers, Epiphanes; Capitolina; Philopappos and Balbilla left Rome. The family moved and settled in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. Balbilla’s father Epiphanes died in Athens in 92 of unknown causes. After the death of Epiphanes, Capitolina returned to her birth city of Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
where she married for the second time to the Roman Politician Marcus Junius Rufus
Marcus Junius Rufus
Marcus Junius Rufus was a Roman Politician of the Roman Empire, who lived in the 1st century. Rufus was a member of the ancient, noble and politician influential Junius ....
. Capitolina spent her remaining years in her birth city and for a period of time Balbilla was with her mother and later returned to Philopappos in Athens. There is a possibility that Balbilla had an interest in astrology
Astrology
Astrology consists of a number of belief systems which hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world...
.
Although Balbilla belonged to the Roman Aristocracy, there is a possibility that she didn’t inherit any dignity from the Roman Senate. Her late father, was not of Senatorial Rank, but was brother became a Roman Senator, who served as a consul in 109. In 116 Philopappos died and as a dedicated to his memory, Balbilla bequeathed a splendid burial moment known as The Philopappos Monument, which is situated on the Musaios Hill, south west of the Acropolis
Acropolis
Acropolis means "high city" in Greek, literally city on the extremity and is usually translated into English as Citadel . For purposes of defense, early people naturally chose elevated ground to build a new settlement, frequently a hill with precipitous sides...
in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
. Through the influence, political and religious activity of Philopappos, she had met the Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Trajan
Trajan
Trajan , was Roman Emperor from 98 to 117 AD. Born into a non-patrician family in the province of Hispania Baetica, in Spain Trajan rose to prominence during the reign of emperor Domitian. Serving as a legatus legionis in Hispania Tarraconensis, in Spain, in 89 Trajan supported the emperor against...
, Trajan’s heir and paternal second cousin Hadrian
Hadrian
Hadrian , was Roman Emperor from 117 to 138. He is best known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Roman Britain. In Rome, he re-built the Pantheon and constructed the Temple of Venus and Roma. In addition to being emperor, Hadrian was a humanist and was philhellene in...
and also their families.
At some date in Athens, Balbilla married an unnamed Roman aristocrat. There is a possibility that her husband could have been of Senatorial Rank and through this marriage she inherited Senatorial Rank. Unfortunately there is no record of any children nor any descendants from this marriage, however her husband most probably died before 129.
Tour of Egypt & Her Poetry
During their travels throughout the Roman EmpireRoman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
, Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Hadrian
Hadrian
Hadrian , was Roman Emperor from 117 to 138. He is best known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Roman Britain. In Rome, he re-built the Pantheon and constructed the Temple of Venus and Roma. In addition to being emperor, Hadrian was a humanist and was philhellene in...
; his wife and Roman Empress Vibia Sabina
Vibia Sabina
Vibia Sabina was a Roman Empress, wife and second cousin, once removed, to Roman Emperor Hadrian. She was the daughter to Salonina Matidia , and suffect consul Lucius Vibius Sabinus...
were escorted by Balbilla, as they visited the Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings , less often called the Valley of the Gates of the Kings , is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom .The valley stands on the west bank of...
in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was an ancient civilization of Northeastern Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the modern country of Egypt. Egyptian civilization coalesced around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh...
in 129. How Balbilla became their escort in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
is unknown.
During 19–21 November 130, in commemoration of their visit to the Valley of the Kings, Hadrian, Sabina and Balbilla returned again to the Valley of the Kings. Hadrian and Sabina, commissioned Balbilla to record their visit in 130 to the Valley of the Kings. Balbilla was a court-poetess and friend to Hadrian and Sabina. Hadrian and Sabina were her patrons while they were in Egypt, however she didn’t receive any privileges from them.
Balbilla inscribed four epigrams in Aeolic Greek
Aeolic Greek
Aeolic Greek is a linguistic term used to describe a set of dialects of Ancient Greek spoken mainly in Boeotia , Thessaly, and in the Aegean island of Lesbos and the Greek colonies of Asia Minor ....
, the language used by the great Greek Poet Sappho
Sappho
Sappho was an Ancient Greek poet, born on the island of Lesbos. Later Greeks included her in the list of nine lyric poets. Her birth was sometime between 630 and 612 BC, and it is said that she died around 570 BC, but little is known for certain about her life...
eight centuries earlier. Balbilla was inspired and influenced by the lyric poetry of Sappho. These four epigrams known as Epigrammata, were inscribed and are preserved on lower parts on one of the Colossi of Memnon
Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. For the past 3400 years they have stood in the Theban necropolis, across the River Nile from the modern city of Luxor.-Description:The twin statues depict Amenhotep III The Colossi of Memnon (known to locals as...
. The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III
Amenhotep III
Amenhotep III also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent was the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth dynasty. According to different authors, he ruled Egypt from June 1386 to 1349 BC or June 1388 BC to December 1351 BC/1350 BC after his father Thutmose IV died...
(flourished 14th century BC
14th century BC
The 14th century BC is a century which lasted from the year 1400 BC until 1301 BC.-Events:* 1397 BC: Pandion I, legendary King of Athens, dies after a reign of 40 years and is succeeded by his son Erechtheus II of Athens....
), to stand guard at the entrance of Amenhotep’s memorial temple. (Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings are two separate archaeological sites that are both located on the west bank of (Thebes, Egypt
Thebes, Egypt
Thebes is the Greek name for a city in Ancient Egypt located about 800 km south of the Mediterranean, on the east bank of the river Nile within the modern city of Luxor. The Theban Necropolis is situated nearby on the west bank of the Nile.-History:...
). When Balbilla had seen the Colossi of Memnon, these stone statues reminded her of the colossal sculptures on Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut
Nemrut or Nemrud is a high mountain in southeastern Turkey, notable for the summit where a number of large statues is erected around what is assumed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BCE.-Location and description:...
and the mausoleum of her ancestor King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos of Commagene
Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos Antiochus I Theos Dikaios Epiphanes Philorhomaios Philhellenos (Greek: о Αντίοχος Θεός Δίκαιος Επιφανής Φιλορωμαίος Φιλέλλην, meaning Antiochos, a just, eminent god, friend...
.
These four epigrams are considered by Modern Historians/Scholars as “graffiti” and Hadrian and Sabina approved them, they are considered as public inscriptions. These witty epigrams have a Homer
Homer
In the Western classical tradition Homer , is the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and is revered as the greatest ancient Greek epic poet. These epics lie at the beginning of the Western canon of literature, and have had an enormous influence on the history of literature.When he lived is...
ic Tone and the epigrams are caught up between history and mythology. The poems display good use of metaphor
Metaphor
A metaphor is a literary figure of speech that uses an image, story or tangible thing to represent a less tangible thing or some intangible quality or idea; e.g., "Her eyes were glistening jewels." Metaphor may also be used for any rhetorical figures of speech that achieve their effects via...
s, verbal and sound echoes. Balbilla in her epigrams demonstrates a traditional lyric poet: a lover for song and a liking for the Muses.
These epigrams reveal the learned, interesting personality of Balbilla. However at the same time, these epigrams honors Hadrian, Sabina and honors Balbilla’s descent. Although these epigrams have no particular literary value, they reveal Balbilla as a poet identity and by Balbilla inscribing her name on the Colossi of Memnon, she is acknowledging and making reference to her royal and aristocratic descent.
The first and second epigram honors and tells the story of a mythical King of Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
Memnon
Memnon (mythology)
In Greek mythology, Memnon was an Ethiopian king and son of Tithonus and Eos. As a warrior he was considered to be almost Achilles' equal in skill. During the Trojan War, he brought an army to Troy's defense. The death of Memnon echoes that of Hector, another defender of Troy whom Achilles also...
, who was killed by soldier Achilles
Achilles
In Greek mythology, Achilles was a Greek hero of the Trojan War, the central character and the greatest warrior of Homer's Iliad.Plato named Achilles the handsomest of the heroes assembled against Troy....
at Troy
Troy
Troy was a city, both factual and legendary, located in northwest Anatolia in what is now Turkey, southeast of the Dardanelles and beside Mount Ida...
and whom the God Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
made immortal. Balbilla finds she is not addressing Memnon, but is flattering Hadrian and Sabina.
- When the August Hadrian heard Memnon.
- by Julia Balbilla
- Memnon the Egyptian I learnt, when warned 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 Aurors 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.
The third Epigram Demo, is a dedication to the Muse
Muse
The Muses in Greek mythology, poetry, and literature, are the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture, that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths...
s, alluding her poetry to them, making her poetry as divinely favoured. She explains that Memnon has shown her special respect. Demo offers her in return her gift for poetry, as a gift to the hero. In the end of this epigram, she addresses Memnon highlighting his divine status in recalling his strength and holiness.
- 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.
The fourth and final epigram, Balbilla dedicates to her parents and grandfathers. This epigram is dedicated also to her noble and aristocratic blood.
- 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 her poetry, no more is known on Balbilla.
Sources
- http://www.mavors.org/PDFs/Commagene.pdf
- http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=29061784
- http://blogs.ibibo.com/discovermiracle/Astrology-V.html
- http://www2.ehw.gr/asiaminor/Forms/fLemmaBody.aspx?lemmaid=9159
- http://books.google.com.au/books?id=ZexwH4DF8gEC&pg=PA430&lpg=PA430&dq=Julia+Balbilla&source=web&ots=ghBN6Xf7zb&sig=QlgHJOdGyMjsDdKtNGs6eDughkw&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result
- http://books.google.com.au/books?id=d6VXIDjmAcQC&pg=PA298&lpg=PA298&dq=Julia+Balbilla,+granddaughter+of+Balbillus&source=web&ots=S0sOmEVeKH&sig=Vpg9Ntiafullbtr1exiHDLtnGrQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result
- http://books.google.com.au/books?id=pPwDo83kCQoC&pg=PT188&lpg=PT188&dq=Claudia+Capitolina&source=web&ots=pXtxksxkD_&sig=ZnVJhkx89LDaE7WeIZg4aN2ETkA&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result#PPT187,M1
- http://books.google.com.au/books?id=rJpGIrUUPPMC&pg=PA151&lpg=PA151&dq=Julia+Balbilla&source=web&ots=ESRmWlIIwL&sig=XuNj9AqEIwzC2TlDu2LWzibdB7c&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result#PPA252,M1