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Gordian III (224-244) was the grandson of Emperor Gordian I and nephew of Emperor Gordian II. There is little known about his early life, but soon after the deaths of Gordian I and Gordian II in 238, Gordian III was renamed Marcus Antonius Gordianus, as his grandfather, and became imperial heir.<br/><br/> When current co-emperors Pupienus and Balbinus were executed by the Praetorian Guard months after their accession, Gordian became emperor at the age of 13, the youngest sole legal Roman emperor throughout the existence of the unified Roman Empire. Due to his age, the ruling of Rome was actually done by the Senate, with Gordian III being little more than a puppet figurehead, much loved by the people for his name and lineage, but powerless.<br/><br/> During his rule, there was a renewed attack on Roman lands by the Sassanid Empire, and Gordian III led an army eastwards to defeat the Sassanids. It was during the campaign against the Sassanids in 244 that Gordian III died. Sources are conflicted whether the 19-year-old emperor died in battle or was murdered by his own army. He was said to have been held in high esteem by the army however, and earned the lasting love of the Roman people.
Gordian I (159-238) was born into a family of Equestrian rank, though there is little else known about his early life. He rose to power late during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus, eventually becoming governor of the Roman province of Africa in 237.<br/><br/> When Alexander was killed and replaced by Maximinus Thrax, many were discontented with his rule, especially the Roman Senate, who viewed Maximinus with severe disdain and did not consider him a true Roman. This discontent eventually resulted in a revolt in Africa in 238. The rioters declared Gordian I the new emperor, who only accepted if his son, Gordian II, was also accepted as co-emperor. The Senate was quick to recognise the Gordians as the true emperors of the Empire, in defiance of Maxminius.<br/><br/> Their co-rule only lasted 21 days though, before a legion from the neighbouring province of Numidia invaded the province of Africa and easily defeated the hastily established militia army. Gordian II was killed during the Battle of Carthage, and Gordian I hanged himself after hearing of his son's death. His legacy would live on through his grandson Gordian III, who was recognised as emperor by the end of 238.
Gordian I (159-238) was born into a family of Equestrian rank, though there is little else known about his early life. He rose to power late during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus, eventually becoming governor of the Roman province of Africa in 237.<br/><br/> When Alexander was killed and replaced by Maximinus Thrax, many were discontented with his rule, especially the Roman Senate, who viewed Maximinus with severe disdain and did not consider him a true Roman. This discontent eventually resulted in a revolt in Africa in 238. The rioters declared Gordian I the new emperor, who only accepted if his son, Gordian II, was also accepted as co-emperor. The Senate was quick to recognise the Gordians as the true emperors of the Empire, in defiance of Maxminius.<br/><br/> Their co-rule only lasted 21 days though, before a legion from the neighbouring province of Numidia invaded the province of Africa and easily defeated the hastily established militia army. Gordian II was killed during the Battle of Carthage, and Gordian I hanged himself after hearing of his son's death. His legacy would live on through his grandson Gordian III, who was recognised as emperor by the end of 238.
Gordian III (224-244) was the grandson of Emperor Gordian I and nephew of Emperor Gordian II. There is little known about his early life, but soon after the deaths of Gordian I and Gordian II in 238, Gordian III was renamed Marcus Antonius Gordianus, as his grandfather, and became imperial heir.<br/><br/> When current co-emperors Pupienus and Balbinus were executed by the Praetorian Guard months after their accession, Gordian became emperor at the age of 13, the youngest sole legal Roman emperor throughout the existence of the unified Roman Empire. Due to his age, the ruling of Rome was actually done by the Senate, with Gordian III being little more than a puppet figurehead, much loved by the people for his name and lineage, but powerless.<br/><br/> During his rule, there was a renewed attack on Roman lands by the Sassanid Empire, and Gordian III led an army eastwards to defeat the Sassanids. It was during the campaign against the Sassanids in 244 that Gordian III died. Sources are conflicted whether the 19-year-old emperor died in battle or was murdered by his own army. He was said to have been held in high esteem by the army however, and earned the lasting love of the Roman people.