Gordian II: A Biography of the Roman Emperor
Gordian II: The brave prince who stood against tyranny and inspired a rebellion.
How Do You Learn Best?
Learn by Reading
Immerse yourself in the 10-minute visual lesson for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Learn by Reviewing
Jump directly to the key facts, timeline, and vocabulary lists to build a solid foundation of details.
Learn by Doing
Challenge yourself! Jump straight into the interactive games to learn by trial, error, and discovery.
Gordian II: A Biography of the Roman Emperor in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Gordian I
Gordian III
Balbinus
Pupienus
Gordian II Becomes Co-Emperor
Reign as Co-Emperor
Death of Gordian I
Defeat in Battle
Legacy of Gordian II
Impact on Roman Empire
Historical Significance
Remembering Gordian II
Final Resting Place
Continued Influence
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- Who: Roman Emperor
- When: Lived: 192 – 238 AD
- Known For: Becoming co-emperor with his father Gordian I in 238 AD
- Legacy: Serving as co-emperor for only a few weeks before both father and son died during a rebellion against Maximinus Thrax
Timeline of Gordian II: A Biography of the Roman Emperor
Gordian II is born
Gordian II becomes co-emperor with his father Gordian I
Gordian I and Gordian II are proclaimed joint emperors by the Senate
Gordian I and Gordian II depart for Africa to fight against Maximinus Thrax
Gordian II's father Gordian I dies, making him the sole emperor
Gordian II is killed in battle against Capellianus, loyal to Maximinus Thrax
End of Gordian II's reign
Maximinus Thrax becomes the sole emperor
Gordian II is deified
Gordian II's coinage is issued
Gordian II is buried in Rome
Gordian II's statues and monuments are erected
Gordian II's death is mourned by the Roman citizens
Gordian II's reign is considered a short-lived but noble attempt to restore the Senate's power
Gordian II's death inspires rebellion against Maximinus Thrax
The Gordians become symbols of resistance against imperial tyranny
Gordian II's legacy lives on as a martyr for the cause of restoring the Senate's authority
Gordian II's memory is honored in various inscriptions and writings
Gordian II's story is often included in the history of the Crisis of the Third Century
Gordian II's reign is seen as a turning point in the decline of the Roman Empire
Vocabulary List
- Gordian II
- Gordian II was a Roman emperor who ruled alongside his father, Gordian I, for a brief period in 238 AD.
- Roman emperor
- Gordian II held the title of Roman emperor, a position of supreme authority in the Roman Empire.
- Gordian I
- Gordian II's father, Gordian I, was also a Roman emperor and ruled jointly with his son.
- 238 AD
- Gordian II's reign as a Roman emperor occurred in the year 238 AD.
- Roman Empire
- Gordian II's rule as a Roman emperor was within the vast territories of the Roman Empire.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Gordian II was a Roman Emperor who co-ruled with his father, Gordian I, for a short period in 238 AD.
- Gordian II was proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate after his father's death.
- Gordian II reigned for only 22 days before he was defeated and killed in battle by forces loyal to the reigning emperor at the time, Maximinus Thrax.
- Gordian II was born in 192 AD in Rome.
- Gordian II was known for his intellectual pursuits and love of literature.
- Gordian II was married to a woman named Sabinia Tranquillina.
- Gordian II had no children.
- Gordian II and his father were the first father-son pair to be co-emperors in Roman history.
- Gordian II's reign was marked by unrest and rebellion against the oppressive rule of Maximinus Thrax.
- Gordian II was known for his kindness and generosity towards his subjects.
- Gordian II was a member of the Gordian dynasty, which was a prominent Roman family.
- Gordian II was a supporter of the arts and sciences during his brief reign.
- Gordian II was a respected military leader before becoming emperor.
- Gordian II was known for his eloquence and oratory skills.
- Gordian II's death marked the end of the Gordian dynasty's rule in the Roman Empire.
- Gordian II's reign was characterized by political instability and military conflict.
- Gordian II was deified by the Roman Senate after his death.
- Gordian II was succeeded by Pupienus and Balbinus as co-emperors after his death.
- Gordian II's legacy is remembered for his brief but eventful reign as emperor.
- Gordian II's reign is often overshadowed by the tumultuous events leading to his untimely death.
Analysis & Significance
Major Accomplishments
Gordian II was known for his military leadership and valor on the battlefield, leading his troops to victory in several key battles during his reign.
Impact on the World
His courage and strategic prowess inspired future generations of military commanders and leaders, setting a standard for bravery and dedication in the face of adversity.
Enduring Legacy
Gordian II is remembered as a fearless and honorable leader who stood up for his people in times of crisis, earning him a place in history as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of challenges.
Gordian II: A Biography of the Roman Emperor Games
Take Your Learning Offline
Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!
- ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
- ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
- ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
