Marcus Julius Gessius Bassianus [1] (flourished 3rd century) was a Magister (master) in the Arval Brethren during the reign of Roman emperor Caracalla who ruled from 212 until 217. [1]
Bassianus seems to be linked to the Julii and the Bassiani. [2] From his name, could point to him as a possible son of the Syrian Roman nobles Gessius Marcianus and Julia Avita Mamaea, [3] being a possible brother of Roman emperor Alexander Severus [4] and his sister, Theoclia. [4] [5] If this is correct, Bassianus was a relation to the Royal family of Emesa and the Severan dynasty of the Roman Empire. [6] He may then have been born about 190, first son of his very freshly married parents. [7]
Bassianus was not a known Priest of the cult of Elagabalus. [8] Although he was a Roman Priest, was unable to attend the ceremonies of the Arval Brethren in Rome, probably due to Bassianus being based in the East. [4]