Rome 238-244 CE
AR Antoninianus 23mm, 3,85g
Rome 238-244 CE
AR Antoninianus 23mm, 4,76g
January 20
Birth of Gordian III.
Gordian III’s uncle and grandfather, Gordian I and Gordian II, are declared joint emperors in Africa.
May
After the deaths of Gordian I and II, Gordian III is proclaimed Caesar at the age of 13 by the Senate under co-emperors Pupienus and Balbinus.
July 29
Pupienus and Balbinus are murdered by the Praetorian Guard. Gordian III, at 13, is declared sole emperor by the Senate.
Gordian III faces the rebellion of Sabinianus in Africa but successfully suppresses it.
Gordian III marries Tranquillina.
Gordian III launches a military campaign against the Sasanian Empire in the East to reclaim Roman territories. He gains support from his father-in-law, Timesitheus, who serves as his Praetorian Prefect.
Gordian III wins a significant victory at the Battle of Resaena against the Sasanians.
Philip I becomes Praetorian prefect under Gordian III.
February
Gordian III dies under unclear circumstances, either in battle against the Sasanians or assassinated by mutinous troops. His death occurs near the city of Zaitha (modern Iraq), and Philip the Arab succeeds him as emperor and Otacilia Severa becomes Empress.