Gordian II (c. 192 - 238 AD)
Emperor: 238 AD
Introduction
Gordian II, also known as Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus, was a Roman emperor who ruled alongside his father, Gordian I, during a brief period in 238 AD.
A sestertius coin featuring the Roman emperor Gordian II.
Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. https://www.cngcoins.com, Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, via Wikimedia Commons
Born around 192 AD, Gordian II followed a senatorial career, eventually becoming the governor of the province of Achaea and later consul.
When Gordian I was appointed as proconsul of Africa by the emperor Maximinus Thrax, Gordian II accompanied him to the region as his deputy.
Later, Gordian I and Gordian II sought to overthrow the ruler Maximinus Thrax during a tumultuous period known as the Year of the Six Emperors. Unfortunately for them, their efforts were short-lived, as Gordian II was killed in battle outside of Carthage in April 238 AD.
Since his father outlived him, Gordian II held the title of Roman emperor for only 22 days—making it the shortest reign of any Roman emperor in history.
Early Life and Family Background
Gordian II belonged to a prominent and wealthy Roman family, with strong connections to the Roman Senate. His father, Gordian I, was a well-respected and accomplished senator, and the paths taken by Gordian II in his early years were reflective of his family's political standing and ambitions.
His family tree highlights the prominence of their Roman roots. Unfortunately, details on specific members of his family beyond his father, Gordian I, are sparse, with a lack of records and conflicting sources of information creating much confusion and uncertainty.
Nevertheless, the prominence of the family can be further inferred by examining Gordian II's rapid rise to power, which is inextricably linked with his father's reputation, family background/connections and their united ambitions.
Rise to Power
The current emperor, Maximinus Thrax, had been installed as emperor in 235 AD by the powerful Praetorian Guard. Previously the commander of the Roman legion "Legio IV Italica" under the emperor Severus Alexander, the Roman Senate viewed this grizzly military man as a barbarian of low birth and unworthy of being emperor of Rome. But, with little ability to go against the wishes of the Praetorians, the senators had little choice but to accept the ascension of Maximinus Thrax as emperor.
Maximinus also proved unpopular with many of the provincial inhabitants too. A revolt in Africa culminated in the people of the region declaring their popular elderly governor, Gordian I, as emperor instead. The still disgruntled Senate saw this as the chance to be rid of Maximinus and switched their allegiance to Gordian, as well as encouraging other provinces to back the Gordian revolt also.
Due to the advanced years of the elder Gordian, in his late seventies by this time, his son (aged in his mid-forties and also called Gordian) was proclaimed co-emperor as Gordian II.
Capellianus and Numidia
Despite having the people of the province and the senators back in Rome on their side, the Gordians had a major problem.
The neighborough province to west was Numidia, which was governed by Capelianus. He held a long-standing grudge against the Gordians as a result of, according to Herodian, a previous legal dispute. When the Gordians were declared as emperors, they also expressed a desire to replace Capelianus as the governor of Numidia.
Whether for the personal reasons mentioned above, or through a desire to stay loyal to the current emperor Maximinus Thrax, Capelianus chose to challenge the new emperors. He assembled a force of soldiers and marched toward the city of Carthage, where Gordian II was located.
Battle and Downfall
Capellianus gathered the forces of the Third Legion "Augusta" - one of the most prestigious legions of the Roman army at the time - to launch his attack. It was the only Roman legion in the area, and was well-trained and disciplined in order to counter any Berber raids against Roman territory.
In response to the imminent threat, Gordian II assembled his troops, which mainly consisted of provincial militiamen and untrained African civilians. With limited time to prepare and a noticeable disadvantage in military expertise, Gordian II's forces faced an impossible task.
The two armies finally met in a decisive battle near Carthage. Despite their best efforts, Gordian II's forces were no match for the experienced Third Legion "Augusta." The battle ended in a crushing defeat for the Gordians, with Gordian II losing his life in the chaos.
After the battle, the surviving forces retreated to Thysdrus, where Gordian I received the grim news of his son's death. Overwhelmed by the loss and the collapse of their rebellion, Gordian I took his own life.
The brief reign of Gordian I and Gordian II had ended in tragedy, and their dream of overthrowing Maximinus Thrax and restoring some sense of stability to the Roman Empire remained unfulfilled.
Aftermath
Amidst the turmoil, other prominent figures emerged to take control of the empire. After Gordian I and II's demises, Pupienus and Balbinus were declared as co-emperors. Prior to Maximinus and the Gordians' reigns, Severus Alexander held the position of Roman Emperor, whose assassination had paved the way for Maximinus to seize power.
During this turbulent period, many patricians were involved in supporting or opposing various emperors within the Year of the Six Emperors (238 AD). Their influence played a significant role in the shift of power between the different leaders.
Legacy and Influence
Gordian II, though having a brief reign, left a mark on the Roman Empire during the tumultuous period known as the Year of the Six Emperors. His attempt to overthrow Maximinus Thrax, alongside his father Gordian I, highlighted the instability and power struggles that plagued the Roman Empire during this time. The uprising in North Africa under the Gordians was one of the early signs of the decline of the once-mighty empire.
Although there is little known about Gordian II's impact on technology, literature, or science, we can still see a representation of his image through his coinage. Coins minted during his short reign often featured his name and portrait, serving as both a symbol of imperial legitimacy and a form of propaganda.
Regarding deification, Gordian II was not officially deified by the Roman Senate. However, his father Gordian I received this honor after their deaths, as the Senate sought to quickly legitimize the rule of Gordian III a few years later (238 – 244 AD), the deceased emperor's grandson.
In conclusion, despite his brief reign, Gordian II's place in Roman history reminds us that being a Roman emperor at certain times during the many centuries which spanned the Roman empire could be a difficult and dangerous time. His life, and ultimately unsuccessful, rebellion against Maximinus Thrax encapsulate the power struggles and instability that characterized the later centuries of the Roman Empire.
