238 facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 2nd century – 3rd century – 4th century |
| Decades: | 200s 210s 220s – 230s – 240s 250s 260s |
| Years: | 235 236 237 – 238 – 239 240 241 |
The year 238 was a very busy time, especially for the Roman Empire. It was a common year that started on a Monday in the Julian calendar. This year is often called the Year of the Six Emperors because six different people were named Roman Emperor! It was a time of big changes and lots of fighting for power.
Major Events of 238
Power Struggles in the Roman Empire
Emperor Maximinus Thrax was fighting a war. He was battling the Carpians near the Danube River. This area is now part of the Balkans.
On March 7, people in the Roman province of Africa decided to go against Maximinus. They chose an older man named Marcus Antonius Gordianus to be their new emperor. His son, Gordian II, was named co-emperor.
The Battle for Control
On April 12, a big fight happened near Carthage. Forces loyal to Maximinus invaded Africa. During this battle, Gordian II was killed. When Gordian I heard the news, he was very sad and took his own life.
Just ten days later, on April 22, the Roman Senate in Rome made a big decision. They declared Maximinus an enemy of the state. They then chose two new emperors: Pupienus and Balbinus.
Maximinus marched his army towards Aquileia in northern Italy. But his soldiers faced many problems. They ran out of food and got sick.
A New Young Emperor
On July 29, a special group of soldiers called the Praetorian Guard killed Pupienus and Balbinus. On the very same day, a young boy named Gordian III, who was only 13 years old, became the new Roman Emperor.
During this time, a future Roman Emperor named Valerian became a very important leader in the Senate. He was known as princeps senatus.
The famous Colosseum in Rome had been damaged. In 238, it was repaired and made new again.
Invasions and Conflicts
The Goths, a group of people from what is now Ukraine, crossed the Danube River. They caused a lot of damage to the Roman Empire. They raided lands all the way to the border of Anatolia.
Events in Asia
In Asia, a general named Sima Yi from the Cao Wei kingdom won an important victory. He defeated a warlord named Gongsun Yuan in northeastern China.
Important People Who Died in 238
- April 12 – Gordian I and Gordian II, Roman Emperors (killed in battle or took their own life)
- June 24 – Maximinus Thrax, Roman Emperor
- Maximinus the Younger, Roman Emperor (Maximinus Thrax's son)
- July 29 – Pupienus and Balbinus, Roman Emperors
- Gongsun Yuan, a warlord in China
- Chosroes I, King of Armenia (killed)
See also
In Spanish: 238 para niños
