Cornelia Salonina

Cornelia Iulia Salonina Chrysogone († probably in the summer of 268 in Milan ) was the wife of the Roman Emperor Gallienus and mother of Valerian Caesar, Saloninus and Marinianus.

Saloninas origin is unknown. Because of their attested on coins epithet Chrysogone is believed that she was a Greek from Bithynia, but also takes origin from the city of Salona in the province of Dalmatia ( today Solin in Croatia) into consideration.

Perhaps already in the collection of Gallienus co-regent of his father Valerian and the award of the title Augustus to him in the autumn of 253 Salonina received the title of Augusta, which she led at least 254. It is assumed that she was then married to Gallienus for several years and that her two oldest sons 253 've been alive; their first Münzportraits show a young woman not more. Their eldest son, Valerian died, 258, the second, was Saloninus, 260 killed by the usurper Postumus. The third son, Marinianus was probably not born until 265/266.

Salonina distrusted the officer Ingenuus, the Gallienus had entrusted the education of his son Valerian, but could not do anything against him, Gallienus trusted him. As Ingenuus could be 260 proclaimed rival emperor to Saloninas suspicion was justified.

By no later than 254 led Salonina the title Mater castrorum. In a single, probably late inscription testifies for them, the extended title Mater et senatus et patriae castrorum.

As Empress she was most interested in cultural life; the philosopher Porphyry says in his biography of his teacher Plotinus, the founder of Neo-Platonism, Plotinus that Salonina very appreciated. For his project of a city founded in Campania Plotinus was hoping for the support of the Empress.

That was Salonina of Gallienus Empress to the end of the government, is backed by coins. Presumably, she accompanied her husband on his travels and campaigns; testified, at least for his last campaign, he led 268 against the usurper Aureolus. Gallienus besieged Aureolus in Milan. When the emperor in the summer of 268 during the siege on the initiative of a group of his own officers was killed, his wife was with him. Probably she is also killed. Since Gallienus had numerous enemies, his name and the names of his relatives were paid after his death to inscriptions.