Gordian III

Gordian III (238-244 CE) was the youngest Roman Emperor to accede to the throne in the history of the Roman Empire. He was aged 13.
He opened the doors of the Temple of Janus for the last time in Roman History.

1. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

NAME:
- Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius.
GORDIAN III’ DATES OF REIGN AS EMPEROR:
- 22 April until 29 July 238 CE with Pupienus and Balbinus.
- Then as sole Emperor from 29 July 238 CE to 11 February 244 CE.
GORDIAN III’ DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Born: 20 January 225 CE. Died: 11 February 244 CE.
PLACE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Born in Rome, Italy. Died in Mesopotamia.
GORDIAN III’ PREDECESSOR:
- Pupienus and Balbinus.
GORDIAN III’ SUCCESSOR:
- Philip the Arab
HEIR TO THE THRONE BECAUSE:
- He was proclaimed Emperor by Pupienus and Balbinus to appease the Roman Mob.
- He was the grandson of Gordian I
DIED PEACEFULLY OR ASSASSINATED:
- Either: he was assassinated by his soldiers
- Or: he died in battle against the Parthians.
WHERE BURIED:
- Rome.
GORDIAN III WAS FAMOUS BECAUSE:
- He was the youngest legal Roman Emperor, during the history of the Roman Empire, acceding at the age of 13.
- Gordian III opened the doors of the Temple of Janus for the last time in Roman History.

Because he was the grandson of Gordian I, at the age of 13, Gordian III was proclaimed the sixth Emperor in the Year of the Six Emperors, by his co-emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus.
He ruled from 22 April until 29 July 238 CE with Pupienus and Balbinus. Then as sole Emperor from 29 July 238 CE to 11 February 244 CE.

Gordian III opened the doors of the Temple of Janus for the last time in Roman History, and took the Legions in a Campaign against the Sassanid Empire.
He married the daughter of Timesitheus, Prefect of the Praetorian Guard, making the latter de facto ruler of the Roman Empire. Timesitheus was however, killed in the battle against the Persians and Gordian died shortly after.

Gordian III either died in battle against the Parthians, or he was assassinated by his soldiers. The sources vary.