Roman Imperial: Gordian III, as Augustus (AD 238-244). AR antoninianus (23mm, 5h). NGC AU....

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Gordian III, as Augustus (AD 238-244). AR antoninianus (23mm, 5h). NGC AU. Rome, AD 243-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from behind / VICTORIA AET-E-RNA, Victory standing facing, head left, right hand on shield set on captive seated left, palm cradled in left arm. RIC IV.III 156.

The youngest sole emperor of the Roman Empire, Gordian III (225-244 BC), born Marcus Antonius Gordianus, was ruler for eight politically dramatic years. In 238 BC, a senatorial revolt led to his grandfather, Gordian I, and his uncle, Gordian II, to become joint emperors in opposition to Emperor Maximinus. However, they would rule for only twenty-two days when Gordian II would die in the Battle of Carthage, in which Gordian I would commit suicide shortly after. The anti-Maximinus senate appointed two elderly senators, Pupienus and Balbinus, as the new emperors. Due to their age and lack of popularity, the Senate named Gordian III as Caesar, or heir. In a matter of months, Maximinus, Pupienus, and Balbinus would all be killed by Roman rebellions. Thus, by August of that year, Gordian III was named sole emperor at only thirteen. Gordian III would have many notable moments of his reign, such as being the last emperor to open the doors of the Temple of Janus, the numerous earthquakes that forced him to consult the Sibylline Books, and his two campaigns against the Sassanids. Though the details are debated, Gordian III most likely died in the Battle of Misiche in 244 BC at nineteen. This opened the door for Philip I to become emperor, who was accused in many ancient sources as having been directly involved in the death of Gordian III.

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