Aurelia Cotta (Mother of Julius Caesar)
Profession: Mother of Julius Caesar
Biography: Aurelia Cotta was a Roman noblewoman and the mother of Julius Caesar. She came from the influential Aurelii Cottae family, with many male relatives having served as consuls and leaders of Rome. Aurelia is noteworthy for her intelligence, her role in her son's upbringing, and her involvement in key events like the Bona Dea scandal.
Born around 120 BC into the politically significant Aurelii Cottae family, Aurelia married Gaius Julius Caesar, who held the office of praetor. They had three children, with their son, Julius Caesar, becoming a central figure in Roman history. Aurelia was widowed early and was primarily responsible for her children's education and supervision.
Aurelia actively managed her family's affairs, displaying political acumen during challenging times, particularly during Lucius Cornelius Sulla's threats against Caesar, who had married into family that supported a failed opposition. She and her brother, Gaius Cotta, protected him from retribution when he refused to divorce his wife.
During the Bona Dea festival incident in 62 BC, Aurelia's actions in exposing Publius Clodius, whose trespassing interrupted a sacrifice at Caesar's house, and her testimony at the later trial for sacrilege were important. Her influence likely also guided her son's decision to divorce his wife, Pompeia Sulla, after the scandal.
Aurelia passed away on July 31, 54 BC. She left a lasting impact, with the Roman tribe Aurelia being named in her honor. Aurelia Cotta's legacy continued through the achievements of her son Caesar and her daughter Julia Minor, and indirectly through the later rise of her grandson-in-law, Emperor Augustus.
Born: May 21, 120 BC
Birthplace: Rome, Roman Republic
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: July 31, 54 BC (aged 66)
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