Gordian I
Article
May 28, 2022
Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus (lat. Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus), better known in Roman historiography as Gordian I, was a Roman emperor who ruled in 238. Apparently, he came from the Asia Minor provincial aristocracy. Gordian made a long and successful career: he ruled several provinces, held the post of suffect consul, after which he was appointed proconsul of Africa. At the beginning of 238, a group of wealthy young landowners, dissatisfied with the increase in tax collections, killed the procurator sent to Africa by Emperor Maximinus I of Thrace. The rebels proclaimed Gordian emperor, who made co-ruler his son, who bore the same name. Gordian's candidacy was supported by the Senate, which began the fight against Maximinus, as well as by a number of eastern provinces. However, soon Gordian Jr. fell in a battle near Carthage against the Numidian governor Capelian, who remained loyal to Maximinus. Upon learning of the death of his son, Gordian I committed suicide. Gordian's reign lasted only a few weeks. After his death, the Senate continued the war against Maximinus, electing new emperors - Balbinus and Pupienus.