Gordian IIShort Biography about the life of Gordian II Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Gordian II, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire. Name commonly known as: Gordian II Latin Roman Name: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 22 March - 12 April 238 (with his father Gordian I in revolt against Maximinus Thrax) Dynasty / Historical Period: Crisis of the Third Century - Year of the Six Emperors Date of Birth: c. 192 Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor was Maximinus Thrax Date succeeded as Emperor of Rome and circumstances of rule: Family connections / Genealogy *** Name of Father: *** Name of Mother: Fabia Orestilla *** Children: None *** Gordian III was his nephew Place and Date of Death: 12 April 238 at Carthage Name of next Emperor: The successors to Gordian II were Balbinus and Pupienus with Gordian III Interesting facts about the life of Gordian II Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Gordian II from the following facts and information about his life.Why was Gordian II famous? Accomplishments, achievements and important events. The harsh doctrines and regime of the emperor, Maximin (aka Maximinus Thrax) produced a revolt in Africa, where the legions proclaimed their proconsul, Gordian, the emperor of Rome. Gordian was the father of Marcus Antonius Gordianus. His father became Emperor Gordian I on 22 March 238 although he was in his eightieth year. Because of his advanced age, his father insisted that Marcus Antonius Gordianus became co-emperor with him. Marcus Antonius Gordianus thus became Gordian II. The Senate backed the Gordians and also revolted against Maximinus Thrax. The appointment was popular in most of the provinces and with the people of Rome. However opposition came from the Roman province of Numidia in present-day North Africa. Capelianus, the governor of Numidia was a loyal supporter of Maximinus Thrax and went into battle with Marcus Antonius Gordianus, Gordian II at Carthage. Gordian II lost the Battle of Carthage and was killed. His father, Gordian I, took his own life by hanging himself with his belt. The Gordians had reigned only thirty-six days during the Year of the Six Emperors. The Senate immediately elected Pupienus and Balbinus co-emperors, to whom, in order to gratify the people, they joined the younger Gordian, then only twelve years of age. Maximinus Thrax entered Italy and besieged Aquileia, but his soldiers put him to death in A.D. 238. Gordian II - Crisis of the Third Century (235 - 284) The Crisis of the Third Century was the period in Roman history following the death of Alexander Severus when Rome entered into the era of Military Anarchy commonly known as the Crisis of the Third Century. During the Crisis of the Third Century, lasting over 50 years, not one single Emperor died of natural causes. Revolts sprung up in virtually all of the provinces and ambitious men struggled for power. During the crisis there were civil wars, street fights between the citizens of Rome and soldiers of the imperial guard, fierce foreign enemies, plagues, famines, fire and earthquakes. Gordian II - Year of the Six Emperors (238) The Year of the Six Emperors (238) and the start of the Barracks Emperors. There were six emperors in 238 AD and each of them were officially recognized by the Roman Senate. Their names were Maximinus Thrax, Gordian I, Gordian II, Balbinus, Pupienus and Gordian III. By the end of the Year of the Six Emperors five had died a violent and bloody death leaving the 13 year old Gordian III as the sole Roman Emperor. Gordian II The content of this Gordian II category in the Emperors of Ancient Rome provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting different categories containing the history, facts and information about the lives and people of Ancient Rome. |