Gordian II Roman Emperor
Gordian II, or as he was known more formally by his full name Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus, was a Roman emperor who reigned over the empire during the year 238 AD.
Born sometime in the year 192 AD, the exact date of his birth has not been confirmed until the present time, Gordian was born to Emperor Gordian I, otherwise known as Marcus Antonius Gordianus, to a woman of unknown origins. He had a sister who was named Antonia Gordiana, who would herself be the mother of a future emperor, Gordian III.
As was normal in those troubled times, relatively little is known about the details surrounding Gordian's early life. In fact, the only reliable account of his early life is the official history of the Roman emperors.
Even this document however is subject to inaccuracy and gross misinterpretation in line with the then custom of painting revered political leaders in an exaggeratedly favourable light. What details can be gathered from the said document therefore must be treated with a healthy measure of scepticism and probably has to be verified in the interests of historical accuracy.
Nevertheless, this is the only remaining source of information about Gordian's early life and it is stated in this document that he served in the position of quaestor during the reign of Emperor Elagabalus. Further notable political positions came in the form of appointments as praetor and consul suffect under the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus. The year 237 AD would bring about further powerful positions to Gordian's already considerable political accomplishments, with a further appointment as governor of the Africa Roman provinces, a post that he held under the leadership of his father's command.
The assassination of Emperor Alexander Severus, together with his mother Julia Mamaea, in the year 235 AD by rebellious troops in Germania Inferior would bring about a new claimant to the throne. The mutinous troops were led by a soldier who was named Maximinus Thrax and he was the soldier's choice for Emperor.
They pushed through with this proclamation even in the face of widespread condemnation by the Roman Senate. Thrax was in fact a poor choice for the emperorship, at least in the eyes of the sceptical senate, who were disdainful of his popular origins. Another revolt was clearly in the offing, one which threatened to erupt at any time. Things eventually built up to a head when in the year 238 AD, Gordian's father began a campaign against the combined forces of Maximinus.
Although this action was in fact undertaken due to the considerable pressure exerted upon Gordian's father by the local politicians, it had the intended effect and by March 22nd, of that very same year, he was appointed Augustus. Gordian I however was clearly at too advanced an age to rule effectively and his son was then appointed as a co-ruler with many of the same powers along with the corresponding title of Augustus.
Gordian would later meet his end in a battle fought at Carthage and died on April 12th, 238 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 15/05/2008
