Gordian I

Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus

AD159 ~ AD238

Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus was born in 159 and came from a very wealthy equestrian family but climbed the ranks until he entered the roman senate. His early years were spent in study and his political career did not start until later in his life.

 

During the rule of Maximinus a revolt began due to the overall unhappiness generated by his oppressive rule. Because of his age Gordian I sought assistance from his son Gordian II and together they entered the city of Carthage where the political leaders and population showed and overwhelming amount of support for them. The senate elected Gordian I as the new emperor and most of the provinces were quick to become allies with Gordian.

The governor of a neighboring province, Capelianus, was a strong supporter of Maximinus and fought the Battle of Carthage against Gordian’s legions to renew his alliance with Maximinus. Gordian II led his soldiers who were largely untrained onto the battlefield and was killed, upon hearing this Gordian I took his own life by hanging himself.


 
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