The collection consists of 4 essays, which tell about four Roman matrons of the 3rd century. AD, related to each other - Empress Julia Domna, her sister Julia Mesa, and Mesa's daughters - Julia Soemia and Julia Mameya. The fate of each of them was interesting, complex and tragic: Julia Domna witnessed the mortal enmity of her sons, Julia Mesa tried to reconcile her grandchildren, but could not save the eldest of them, Julia Soemia died along with her dissolute son, Julia Mameya died along with her son , who all his life obeyed her in everything (and died because of her stinginess).