Gordian II loses the Battle of Carthage against the Numidian forces loyal to Maximinus Thrax and is killed. Gordian I, his father, commits suicide.

Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus, better known to history as Gordian II, was a fascinating albeit tragic figure in the annals of the Roman Empire. Born around 192 AD, his brief but impactful tenure as co-emperor alongside his father, Gordian I, occurred during the tumultuous year of 238 AD, a period notoriously dubbed the "Year of the Six Emperors." This era was a testament to the profound political instability that gripped Rome, marking a sharp decline from the relative peace of earlier centuries.

The Tumultuous Rise to Power

The stage for Gordian II's ascension was set by the deep unpopularity of the reigning emperor, Maximinus Thrax. A "barracks emperor" who had risen from the ranks of the military, Maximinus was despised by the Roman Senate and the senatorial aristocracy for his tyrannical rule, heavy taxation, and blatant disregard for traditional Roman institutions. His regime, perceived as brutal and illegitimate, sparked widespread discontent across the empire.

In early 238 AD, a revolt erupted in the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis, fueled by grievances against Maximinus's oppressive tax collectors. The local populace and prominent landowners turned to the aged and highly respected proconsul, Gordian I, urging him to assume the imperial purple. Despite his reluctance and advanced age, Gordian I was proclaimed emperor. Crucially, he insisted that his son, the younger Gordian II, be elevated to co-emperor, a move that would provide a clear succession and bolster the legitimacy of their claim.

News of the Gordians' proclamation was met with enthusiasm in Rome. The Senate, seeing an opportunity to rid themselves of Maximinus Thrax, swiftly recognized Gordian I and Gordian II as legitimate emperors. This senatorial backing was a powerful endorsement, painting the Gordians as champions of the old order and legitimate rulers, in stark contrast to the perceived usurper Maximinus.

The Ill-Fated Battle of Carthage

The Gordians' challenge to Maximinus Thrax, however, was met with immediate and formidable opposition. Capelianus, the governor of the neighboring province of Numidia, remained staunchly loyal to Maximinus. Furthermore, Capelianus harbored a personal animosity towards Gordian I, stemming from an earlier legal dispute.

Capelianus, commanding the formidable Legio III Augusta—a well-trained and disciplined legion stationed in Numidia—marched on Carthage, the capital of Africa Proconsularis. The forces available to Gordian II were, by comparison, woefully inadequate. They largely consisted of hastily raised and poorly trained local militias, augmented by a few regular troops. The ensuing clash, known as the Battle of Carthage, was fought in April 238 AD just outside the city walls. It was a brutal and one-sided affair.

Despite their bravery, Gordian II's improvised army was no match for Capelianus's seasoned legionaries. In the midst of the battle, Gordian II was tragically killed. His death, after a mere 22 days on the throne, earned him the unenviable distinction of having the shortest reign of any Roman emperor in recorded history. This premature end, occurring before his father, underscored the extreme fragility of their imperial ambitions.

A Legacy Defined by Brevity

The news of his son's death plunged Gordian I into despair. Realizing that their cause was lost and facing the inevitable retribution from Maximinus's loyalists, the elderly emperor took his own life. The hopes of the Senate and the people for a swift end to Maximinus's tyranny were dashed, but the "Year of the Six Emperors" was far from over. The Senate would soon appoint Pupienus and Balbinus as co-emperors, continuing the struggle against Maximinus Thrax and eventually leading to the ascension of Gordian III, Gordian II's nephew, thus securing a brief dynastic continuity for the Gordians, albeit through a different branch.

FAQs About Gordian II

Who was Gordian II?
Gordian II, whose full name was Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus, was a Roman emperor who briefly co-reigned with his father, Gordian I, in 238 AD during a period known as the "Year of the Six Emperors."
What was the "Year of the Six Emperors"?
The "Year of the Six Emperors" refers to 238 AD, a highly turbulent year in Roman history when six different individuals were recognized as Roman emperors. These were Maximinus Thrax, Gordian I, Gordian II, Pupienus, Balbinus, and eventually Gordian III.
Why did Gordian II become emperor?
Gordian II became co-emperor when his elderly father, Gordian I, was proclaimed emperor in Africa Proconsularis in a revolt against the tyrannical Maximinus Thrax. Gordian I insisted on his son's elevation to provide legitimacy and a clear succession, a move quickly endorsed by the Roman Senate.
How long did Gordian II reign?
Gordian II's reign was exceptionally brief, lasting only 22 days. This makes him the Roman emperor with the shortest documented reign.
How did Gordian II die?
Gordian II died in battle outside Carthage in April 238 AD. He was leading forces against Capelianus, the governor of Numidia, who remained loyal to Emperor Maximinus Thrax. His poorly trained militia was overwhelmed by Capelianus's professional legionaries.
What was the significance of the Battle of Carthage in 238 AD?
The Battle of Carthage in 238 AD was a pivotal moment as it resulted in the defeat and death of Gordian II, and subsequently the suicide of Gordian I. This event temporarily derailed the Senate's efforts to overthrow Maximinus Thrax and underscored the immediate perils of challenging the established imperial authority without adequate military backing.
What happened after Gordian II's death?
Following Gordian II's death and Gordian I's suicide, the Roman Senate, still determined to depose Maximinus Thrax, appointed two new co-emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus. The political turmoil continued, eventually leading to the recognition of Gordian III, Gordian II's nephew, as emperor.