Roman Coin - Julia Cornelia Salonina

As far as the history of Julia Cornelia Salonina little is known. It is thought she was born in Greece and married the future emperor Gallienus in about 243AD.

Gallienus became emperor in 253 and she remained with him having 3 sons (Valerian II, Saloninus and Marinianus) until he was killed in the siege of Mediolanum in 268. He was injured by an arrow on the battlefield and died of the results.

Gallienus and Salonina outlived 2 of their sons - Valerian II died in suspicious circumstances, prob murdered. Saloninus was murdered by Postumus in a typical Roman power struggle during 'the crisis of the 3rd century'. Marinianus, now the successor to the throne was also murdered in 268 along with his uncle Valerianus Minor.

Salonias fate is unknown, some say she was spared and other said she was murdered. Much of 3rd century Roman history is like this - emperors were struggling to hold onto provinces and were often murdered after just a few years in control. Gallienus was one of the few who held the position for a reasonable length of time. In many ways the 3rd century was the beginning of the end for the Roman Empire.