Ulpia Marciana

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Ulpia Marciana (ca. 48 AD-August 28, 112/114) was the elder beloved sister of Roman Emperor Trajan. She was the eldest child to Senator Marcus Ulpius Traianus and his wife Marcia.

Marciana married Gaius Saloninus Matidius Patruinus. Patruinus was a wealthy man, who served as a praetor and later became a senator. He originally came from Vicetia (modern Vicenza, Northern Italy). She bore Patruinus, a daughter and only child Salonina Matidia, who was born on July 4, 68. Patruinus died in 78 and Marciana never remarried. After Patruinus’ death, Marciana and Matidia went to live with Trajan and his wife.

After 105, her brother awarded her with the title of Augusta. She was the first sister of a Roman Emperor to receive this title. Marciana first didn't accept this, but her sister-in-law, the Empress Pompeia Plotina, insisted her to have this title. As such, she become part of the official imperial iconography and her statue, together with Trajan's and Plotina's, was placed over the Arches of Trajan in Ancona. Marciana was very close with Trajan and Plotina.

Marciana would often travel with her brother and assist him in decision making. Throughout the Roman Empire, Mariciana was honored with monuments and inscriptions in her name. Marciana died between 112 and 114. Trajan deified her and founded two cities in her honor, Marcianopolis and Marciana Ulpia Traiana in two Roman provinces.

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Last updated on Tuesday March 04, 2008 at 17:15:25 PST (GMT -0800)
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