2020-02-11 Tue

Born on 20th January 225 AD, Gordian was the grandson and nephew of two earlier kings who shared the same name. He became the Roman leader when he was 13 and was killed during a battle in Mesopotamia on 11th February, 244 AD, at the age of 19.,br>
In 238 AD he became the youngest sole legal Roman emperor throughout the existence of the united Roman Empire. 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. Some historians believe that he was killed by his own men as they wanted Philip to take over his throne. There is no strong evidence to confirm this fact though.

Depicted here is an antoninianus issued under his reign from Rome mint. The obverse of a coin depicts radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from the front. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engraved Hercules, nude, standing right, right hand on hip, lion skin draped over left arm leaning on a club set on rock.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions