When was Marcus Antonius Gordianus born?
Marcus Antonius Gordianus was born on the 20th of January in the year 225. Historical records regarding his early years remain frustratingly sparse and unreliable.
Questions about Gordian III
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the parents of Roman emperor Gordian III according to historical sources?
The Historia Augusta mentions his parents Maecia Faustina and Junius Balbus, yet this source is often considered untrustworthy by modern scholars. His mother Maecia was the daughter of Emperor Gordian I and sister to Emperor Gordian II.
How did Gordian III become sole emperor of Rome in 238?
The Praetorian Guard killed both Pupienus and Balbinus after they were elected joint rulers to counter Maximinus Thrax. They proclaimed the young Gordian sole emperor around August of that year following a revolt in the Africa Province.
Who held real power during the reign of Gordian III from 241 to 244?
Timesitheus held the title of praetorian prefect and became father-in-law to the emperor when he married Furia Sabinia Tranquillina in 241. He quickly established himself as the de facto ruler of the Roman Empire despite the boy's official status.
Where did Roman emperor Gordian III likely die during the campaign against Persia?
Gordian likely died at the Battle of Misiche near modern Fallujah in Iraq where an inscription erected by Shapur claims a major Roman defeat resulted in his death there. One view suggests he was murdered by his frustrated army at Zaitha while another account states he fell from his horse during combat.