Gordian III – 238-244 AD

July 13, 2015 MartySalii 1,269 Comments

Gordian III

238-244AD

Marcus Antonius Gordianus (Gordian III) was born about 225 AD. Gordian III was the grandson of respected Proconsul of Africa Gordian I by his daughter. He was also the nephew of Gordian II. In 238 AD, a rebellion broke out against the emperor Maximinus I and Gordian I was hailed emperor by the troops in Africa despite his age of 81 at the time. The Senate confirmed Gordian I as the new emperor and declared Maximinus I a public enemy. However, before the news had even reached Africa, both Gordians had already been killed after a reign of only 21 days.

When the Senate learned of the deaths of the two Gordians, they feared retaliation on the part of Maximinus. They promptly elected two of their own members, Balbinus and Pupienus. Gordian III was then given the rank of Caesar in part to enlist the loyality of the African troops.

While Maximinus was eventually murdered by his own troops, there was still now sense of loyality toward the joint emperors Balbinus and Pupienus. Despite the end to the threat of Maximinus, the Praetorian Guards stormed the palce and dragged both emperors out into the streets and murdered them. The Guards then hailed Gordian III as emperor in May 238 AD.

This young emperor of only 13, who found himself orphaned during his childhood, was then thrust into the politics of the world. The Historia Augusta tells us that he was a light-hearted and handsome young man but did not possess the qualities necessary to be emperor of Rome.

The reigns of power obviously fell to someone more experienced. That person was the commander Timesitheus. A wedding was eventually arranged between Gordian III and Tranquillina in early 241 AD – the daughter of Timesitheus.

At first a rebellion broke out in Africa. Marcus Asinius Sabinianus, governor of Africa, proclaimed himself emperor and established his base at Carthage. This revolt was put down rather easily by the governor of Mauretania.

In the north, the Goths crossed the Danube and Rome responded. After being pushed back once again, a new threat began to emerge from the East led by Shapur I – king of the Persians.

In 243 AD, the Roman headed straight into a confrontation with the Persians. They marched into Syria and enjoyed much initial success. During this campaign, Timesitheus died suddenly of an illness. This event thrusted the young Gordian III into a world for which he was still unprepared at the age of 19.

Philip I (“the Arab”) took the position of commander. He manipulated events as to encourage disloyality among the troops. Gordian III make the mistake of attempting to address the troops. He asked the men to chose between himself and Philip I. The men chose Philip and Gordian III was subsquently murdered near Circesium in Mesopotamia in 244 AD. His body was taken back to Rome for a formal burial.

Titles and Powers, 238-244 AD

Yr Tribunician Power Consul Imp Acc Other
238 ———————- CAESAR 238 TR P IMP
239 TR P – TR P II COS
240 TR P III – IIII COS II PIVS FELIX
241 TR P IIII – V
242 TR P V – VI
243 TR P VI – VII