Gordian I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gordian I |
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Bust, Capitoline Museums, Rome
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| Roman emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | c. March – April 238 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Maximinus Thrax | ||||||||
| Successor | Pupienus and Balbinus | ||||||||
| Co-emperor | Gordian II | ||||||||
| Born | c. 158 (?) possibly Phrygia (now Central Anatolia, Anatolia, Turkey) |
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| Died | 12 April 238 (aged c. 80) Carthage, Africa Proconsularis (now Tunis, Tunisia) |
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| Spouse | Unknown, possibly Fabia Orestilla | ||||||||
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| Dynasty | Gordian | ||||||||
| Father | Unknown, possibly Maecius Marullus or Marcus Antonius | ||||||||
| Mother | Unknown, possibly Ulpia Gordiana or Sempronia Romana | ||||||||
Gordian I (full name: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus) was a Roman emperor who ruled for only 22 days in the year 238 AD. He ruled alongside his son, Gordian II. This year was special because six different emperors claimed the throne! Gordian I became emperor during a rebellion against the harsh ruler Maximinus Thrax. Sadly, after his son was defeated and died in battle, Gordian I chose to end his own life.
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Who was Gordian I?
Not much is known about Gordian I's early life or his family. Some historians believe his family might have come from Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. His full name, Marcus Antonius, suggests that his ancestors might have become Roman citizens a long time ago, possibly through the famous Roman leader Mark Antony.
Some old writings say his mother was a Roman woman named Ulpia Gordiana. His family history is a bit of a puzzle, but clues from old inscriptions (writings carved into stone) help historians guess. For example, the name Sempronianus in his full name might connect him to his mother's or grandmother's side of the family.
Gordian I had at least two children with his wife (whose name is not fully known): a son also named Gordian (who became Gordian II) and a daughter named Antonia Gordiana. Antonia Gordiana later became the mother of another future emperor, Gordian III.
Gordian's Career Before Becoming Emperor
Gordian I slowly moved up the ranks in the Roman government, becoming part of the important Roman Senate. He started his political career later in life, probably spending his younger years studying and writing.
As a military leader, Gordian commanded a Roman army group called the Legio IV Scythica in Syria. He also served as a governor in Roman Britain around 216 AD. Later, he became a "Suffect Consul," which was a high-ranking political job, during the time of Emperor Elagabalus.
Gordian was very popular because he put on amazing games and shows for the public when he was an aedile (a Roman official in charge of public works and games). He was also known for being careful and not getting involved in political tricks, which helped him keep his wealth and power during a very chaotic time in Roman history.
How Gordian I Became Emperor
When Gordian I was in his late sixties, he became the governor of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis (which is now Tunisia). This was in 237 AD. However, before he could fully start his job, the emperor at the time, Maximinus Thrax, was killed by his own soldiers. Maximinus was a very unpopular emperor because he ruled harshly.
In 238 AD, people in Africa started a rebellion against Maximinus. After one of Maximinus's tax collectors was killed in a riot, the people turned to Gordian. They demanded that he become the new emperor. Even though he was about 80 years old, Gordian finally agreed. He took on the special title "Africanus" to show his connection to the province.
Because of his age, Gordian insisted that his son, Gordian II, rule alongside him. A few days later, Gordian I entered the city of Carthage with huge support from the people and local leaders. Gordian I even sent people to kill Maximinus's top general in Rome, and the rebellion seemed to be working!
Gordian also sent messengers to the Roman Senate in Rome to get their support. The Senate agreed to recognize Gordian as the new emperor, and many other Roman provinces joined his side.
However, a problem arose from the nearby province of Numidia. The governor of Numidia, Capelianus, was loyal to Maximinus Thrax. He didn't like Gordian and attacked the African province with his army. Sadly, Gordian II was killed in this battle. When Gordian I heard about his son's death, he was heartbroken and took his own life.
Gordian I and his son ruled for only 22 days. This was one of the shortest reigns of any Roman emperor!
Gordian's Legacy
Even though he ruled for a very short time, Gordian I had a good reputation. People said he was a kind person. Both he and his son loved books and writing. While they were very smart, they weren't the best at being strong political leaders or powerful rulers.
After Gordian I's death, the Roman Senate had to continue the fight against Maximinus. They chose two new emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus. But by the end of 238 AD, Gordian I's grandson, Gordian III, became the recognized emperor.
Family Tree
| previous Maximinus Thrax Emperor 235–238 |
Pupienus Emperor 238 |
 Gordian I Emperor 238 ∞ (?) Fabia Orestilla |
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| Balbinus Emperor 238 |
Gordian II co-emperor 238 |
Antonia Gordiana | (doubted) Junius Licinius Balbus consul suffectus |
Timesitheus praetorian prefect |
next Philip the Arab Emperor 244–249 |
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Gordian III Emperor 238 |
Tranquillina | Philip II co-emperor 247–249 |
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See also
In Spanish: Gordiano I para niños
