Plancia Magna (Greek: Πλανκία Μαγνά) was a prominent woman from Anatolia who lived between the 1st century and 2nd century in the Roman Empire.
Contents |
Plancia Magna came from a distinguished family. She was the daughter of Roman Senator, Proconsul Marcus Plancius Varus and the Herodian Princess Julia. Her mother became a priestess and served in the temple of the Ancient Greek Goddess Artemis in Perga. Artemis was the most important Goddess in Perga. Magna’s brother was Roman Senator, Consul Gaius Plancius Varus. Magna was born and raised in Perga, the capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia. Her cognomen Magna, is either from her maternal or paternal grandmother.
Her maternal grandparents were King Tigranes VI of Armenia and his wife Opgalli, while her maternal uncle was prince Gaius Julius Alexander. Magna’s maternal ancestors were King Archelaus of Cappadocia, King of Judea Herod the Great and his wife Mariamne. Magna along with her brother and maternal cousins were among the last known descendants of the Herodian Dynasty. She appeared to be an apostate to Judaism. It is unlikely that she attempted to exert influence on Judean Politics.
Magna married a man of Roman Senatorial rank called Gaius Julius Cornutus Tertullus, who was the son of a Proconsul and Suffect Consul. Her husband was a local citizen of Perga and his family originated from Pamphylia. Magna bore Tertullus a son and only child, Gaius Julius Plancius Varus Cornutus.
Plancia Magna is an example of one of the most successful, influential, and highly respectful women from Anatolia. From surviving inscriptions dedicated to her and her family, it is understood that Magna, her father and brother were wealthy and influential citizens in Perga. Due to the goodness and generosity of Magna, her father and her brother, they were accepted as the second founders of Perga. They each were given the honorific title of ‘’Ktistes’’ or ’’Founder’‘.
She was a matron, civic minded and a charitable woman. Magna dedicated her life and wealth to beautification and development of Perga, which contributed to the prosperity of the city. She was a great benefactress and patron of Perga. Magna inherited and took charged of her late father’s large family estates in Galatia and became the head of her family.
In the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian 117–138, she undertook large remodelling projects in Perga. She elevated to the rank of tutelary divinity of the city. In 120, Magna erected a number of statues depicting various members of the imperial family at Perga. Between 120–122, she undertook to magnificently beautify the Hellenistic Gate at Perga, the city’s most magnificent structure that was the entrance to the city.
The sides of the towers of the Hellenistic Gate and the horse-shoed courtyard was restored. The courtyard had marble facing with decorative architectural elements and statuary, providing two-tiered triumphal arch that had three entrances and decorated statues.
The decorated statues were of various Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses. These deities included the Roman Emperors and the wives from the reigns of Nerva to Hadrian. The gate had a number of Greek and Latin inscriptions. Among these inscriptions, were two surviving inscriptions resting north of the Hellenistic Gate. This inscriptions resting north were probably supported by a statue donated by Magna.
Translated from Latin [first two lines]
Translated from Greek [last 2 lines]
Magna held the title of high-priestess of the temple of the ancient Greek Goddess Artemis in Perga. Artemis was the most important goddess in the city. She also was the high-priestess of the imperial cult and the high-priestess for life of the mother of the gods.
Magna was honored by the Boule, Demos and Gerousia of Perga with the honorific title of ’’Demiourgos’‘. The person who held this yearly title, their name was used to identify the year. Demiourgos was the highest civil servant position in the government of Perga. This title was usually reserved for men and through this title she had sponsored the local games held in Perga.
A surviving inscription on a base from a statue erected by the community of Perga, reveals her position in the city:
When Magna died she was buried in a tomb which of located right of the Hellenistic Gate.