Gordian II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gordian II |
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Denarius featuring Gordian II. The inscription reads imp m ant gordianvs afr avg.
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| Roman emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | c. March – April 238 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Maximinus Thrax | ||||||||
| Successor | Pupienus and Balbinus | ||||||||
| Co-emperor | Gordian I | ||||||||
| Born | c. 192 (?) | ||||||||
| Died | April 238 (aged c. 46) Carthage, Africa Proconsularis |
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| Dynasty | Gordian | ||||||||
| Father | Gordian I | ||||||||
| Mother | Unknown, possibly Fabia Orestilla | ||||||||
Gordian II (born around 192 AD, died April 238 AD) was a Roman emperor. He ruled for a very short time, only 22 days, alongside his father, Gordian I. This happened in 238 AD, a year known as the "Year of the Six Emperors". He died in a battle near Carthage while trying to overthrow another emperor, Maximinus Thrax. Because his reign was so short, Gordian II had one of the shortest reigns of any Roman emperor.
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Early Life of Gordian II
Gordian II was born around 192 AD. He was the only known son of Gordian I. His family name, Marcus Antonius, suggests that his ancestors became Roman citizens a long time ago. This might have happened during the time of Mark Antony, a famous Roman leader. His other name, "Gordianus", hints that his family came from a region called Anatolia, which is in modern-day Turkey.
Some old writings say his mother was a Roman woman named Fabia Orestilla. These writings also claim she was related to famous emperors like Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. However, most modern historians believe this information is not true. There is some evidence that Gordian's mother might have been the granddaughter of a Greek teacher and politician named Herodes Atticus. Gordian II also had a younger sister, Antonia Gordiana. She was the mother of Gordian III, who later became emperor.
We don't know much for sure about Gordian II's early career. One ancient text, the Historia Augusta, says he held several important government jobs. It claims he was a quaestor (a financial officer) and a praetor (a judge). It also says he was a consul suffect (a high-ranking official) with Emperor Severus Alexander. Around 237 or 238 AD, Gordian II went to the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. He served there as a legatus (a general or assistant) under his father, who was the governor.
Revolt Against Emperor Maximinus Thrax
In 235 AD, Emperor Severus Alexander was killed by his own soldiers. The new emperor was Maximinus Thrax. He came from a humble background, and the Roman Senate (Rome's governing council) did not approve of him. Maximinus Thrax was very unpopular.
In 238 AD, a group of local leaders in Africa killed Maximinus's local representative. This led Gordian I, who was the governor, to start a full rebellion against Maximinus. Because Gordian I was very old, his son, Gordian II, was made co-emperor. He was about 46 years old at the time. Both father and son were given the title Augustus, which meant they were emperors. They were also given the name "Africanus" to celebrate their connection to the African province.
The Roman Senate and most other provinces supported Gordian I and II. This was because Maximinus Thrax was so disliked.
However, there was opposition from a nearby province called Numidia. The governor of Numidia, Capelianus, was loyal to Maximinus Thrax. He also had a personal dislike for Gordian. Capelianus gathered his army, which included the only Roman legion in the region, Legio III Augusta. He then invaded the province of Africa.
Gordian II led an army of untrained soldiers to face Capelianus. They fought in the Battle of Carthage. Gordian II's army lost, and he was killed in the battle. Some accounts say his body was never found. The Gordians ruled for only 22 days. This first rebellion against Maximinus Thrax failed. However, by the end of 238 AD, Gordian II's nephew, Gordian III, became the recognized emperor of the entire Roman world.
Family Tree
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See also
In Spanish: Gordiano II para niños
Images for kids
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Gordian II on a coin, celebrating his military prowess. The coin reads IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANVS AFR. AVG. / VIRTVS AVG. S C.
