Gordian III: A Biography
Gordian III: The young emperor who restored peace and stability to the Roman Empire.
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Gordian III: A Biography in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Philip the Arab
Valerian
Tranquillina
Gordian I and Gordian II
The Rise of Gordian III
Challenges as Emperor
Military Campaigns
Death of Gordian III
Legacy of Gordian III
Historical Significance
Art and Culture
Remembering Gordian III
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- Who: Roman Emperor
- When: Lived: 225 – 244
- Known For: Becoming the Roman Emperor at a young age of 13
- Legacy: Gordian III's reign was marked by military campaigns against the Sassanid Empire and the invasion of Roman territories by the Goths
Timeline of Gordian III: A Biography
Gordian III becomes Roman Emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard
Gordian III appoints Timesitheus as his praetorian prefect
Gordian III launches a successful campaign against the Sassanid Empire
Timesitheus dies and is succeeded by Philip the Arab as praetorian prefect
Gordian III marries Philip's daughter, Furia Sabina Tranquillina
Gordian III campaigns against the Carpi tribes in Moesia
Gordian III dies under suspicious circumstances, possibly assassinated
Philip the Arab becomes the new Roman Emperor
Philip the Arab is killed in battle against the Persians
Gordian III is deified by the Senate
Decius becomes the new Roman Emperor
Decius launches a persecution against Christians
Gordian III's widow, Tranquillina, is executed by Decius
Gordian III's memory is officially condemned by the Senate during the reign of Valerian
The reign of Gordian III is rehabilitated by the Senate during the reign of Gallienus
Gordian III's image appears on coins during the reign of Gallienus
Gordian III's name is removed from the Senate's damnatio memoriae list
Gordian III's statue is erected in Rome
Gordian III's statue is destroyed during the reign of Aurelian
Gordian III's reign is remembered as a time of relative stability and military success
Vocabulary List
- Gordian III
- Gordian III was the Roman Emperor from 238 to 244 AD.
- Roman Emperor
- Gordian III held the title of Roman Emperor during his reign.
- 238
- Gordian III ascended to the throne in the year 238 AD.
- 244
- Gordian III's reign as Roman Emperor ended in the year 244 AD.
- Emperor
- Gordian III was the third emperor of the Gordian dynasty.
- Gordian dynasty
- Gordian III belonged to the ruling dynasty known as the Gordian dynasty.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Gordian III was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 238 AD to 244 AD.
- He became emperor at the age of 13 after the assassination of his predecessor, Maximinus Thrax.
- Gordian III was the youngest person to ever hold the title of Roman Emperor.
- During his reign, the Sassanid Empire of Persia invaded Roman territories in the east.
- Gordian III appointed his father-in-law, Timesitheus, as his chief advisor and regent.
- He was known for his good looks and was often called the 'Golden Emperor'.
- Gordian III was married to Furia Sabinia Tranquillina, who was also his cousin.
- He campaigned against the Germanic tribes along the Rhine frontier.
- Gordian III minted his own coins, displaying his youthful face and titles.
- He was a patron of the arts and sciences, promoting cultural activities throughout the empire.
- Gordian III's reign was marked by stability and prosperity.
- He died at the age of 19, possibly from natural causes or assassination.
- After his death, Philip the Arab became the next Roman Emperor.
- Gordian III was deified by the Senate after his death.
- His reign is considered a period of transition between the Severan dynasty and the Crisis of the Third Century.
- Gordian III was the last Roman Emperor from the family of the Gordians.
- He issued a decree to restore freedom of election to the Senate, limiting the Emperor's power to appoint senators.
- Gordian III was worshipped as a god in parts of the Roman Empire after his death.
- He was succeeded by his Praetorian prefect, Philip the Arab, who may have played a role in his death.
- Gordian III's reign is often seen as a time of relative peace and stability amidst the political turmoil of the Crisis of the Third Century.
Analysis & Significance
Major Accomplishments
Gordian III was the youngest emperor of the Roman Empire, ascending to the throne at the age of 13. During his reign, he successfully defended the empire against external threats, stabilized the economy, and promoted peace within the borders.
Impact on the World
Gordian III’s reign marked a period of relative stability and prosperity for the Roman Empire. His policies aimed at improving the lives of the citizens and maintaining peace had a lasting impact on the social and economic fabric of the empire, setting the stage for future developments in governance and administration.
Enduring Legacy
Gordian III is remembered as a young and promising emperor who ruled during a critical period in Roman history. Despite his short reign, his efforts to maintain peace and stability have secured his place in history as a significant figure whose legacy continues to be studied and appreciated by historians and scholars today.
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