2020-01-20 Mon

Gordian III was Roman Emperor reigning from 238 to 244 AD. At the age of 13, he became the youngest sole legal Roman emperor throughout the existence of the united Roman Empire.

Gordian III was born on 20th January 225. After the deaths of the joint emperors Gordian I and Gordian II in 238, the Roman Senate proclaimed two elderly senators, Pupienus and Balbinus, joint emperors. However, the people and the Praetorian Guard in Rome distrusted the Senate’s nominees and insisted on making the 13-year-old Gordian (grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II) caesar and heir to the throne.

In 242 Gordian accompanied Timesitheus on a campaign against the Persians. In the spring of 244 Gordian was murdered by the troops and succeeded by Philip.

Depicted here is a coin issued under his reign from Antiochia mint. The obverse of a coin depicts draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved emperor in military dress riding left, accompanied by four soldiers; SR in exergue.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions