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

Introduction

Gordian III was a young Roman emperor who ruled during a turbulent period in the empire's history. Despite his youth, he faced many challenges during his reign, including military conflicts and political intrigue. In this summary article, we will explore the life and legacy of Gordian III, shedding light on his accomplishments and failures.

As the youngest emperor in Roman history, Gordian III ascended to the throne at just 13 years old. His reign was marked by his struggle to maintain power and stability in the face of external threats and internal unrest. Despite his efforts to stabilize the empire, Gordian III faced opposition from various factions within the Roman government.

Throughout his reign, Gordian III made significant contributions to the Roman Empire, including military victories and infrastructure projects. However, his rule was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 19. Despite his short reign, Gordian III left a lasting impact on Roman history, and his legacy continues to be debated by historians and scholars to this day.

Philip the Arab

Philip the Arab

Philip the Arab was the predecessor of Gordian III as the Roman emperor. He was known for his attempts to stabilize the empire and maintain peace during his reign.

Valerian

Valerian

Valerian was the father-in-law of Gordian III and served as the Roman emperor before his son-in-law took the throne. He was captured by the Persians during his reign, marking a significant moment in Roman history.

Tranquillina

Tranquillina

Tranquillina was the wife of Gordian III and served as the empress of Rome during his reign. She played an important role in the political and social life of the empire alongside her husband.

Gordian I and Gordian II

Gordian I and Gordian II

Gordian I and Gordian II were the grandfather and uncle of Gordian III, respectively. They were both Roman emperors who briefly ruled the empire before their untimely deaths, paving the way for Gordian III to ascend to the throne.

The Rise of Gordian III

The Rise of Gordian III

Gordian III became the Roman Emperor at the young age of 13 after the assassination of his grandfather, Gordian I. He was the youngest Roman Emperor in history at the time. Gordian III was initially supported by the Senate and the Praetorian Guard.

Challenges as Emperor

Challenges as Emperor

As a young ruler, Gordian III faced many challenges during his reign. He had to deal with internal revolts and external threats from the Sassanid Empire in the east. Despite these challenges, he was able to maintain stability in the empire.

Military Campaigns

Military Campaigns

Gordian III led a successful campaign against the Sassanid Empire, scoring a major victory at the Battle of Resaena. He also fought against the Goths and Vandals in the Balkans, securing victories for the Roman Empire. His military successes boosted his popularity among the people.

Death of Gordian III

Death of Gordian III

Gordian III's reign came to an abrupt end when he died under mysterious circumstances while on campaign against the Persians. Some sources suggest that he was assassinated, while others claim he died in battle. His death marked the end of the Gordian dynasty.

Legacy of Gordian III

Legacy of Gordian III

Despite his short reign, Gordian III is remembered as a capable and popular emperor. He was known for his military successes and his efforts to maintain peace and stability in the empire. His legacy lives on in Roman history as a young ruler who faced challenges with courage and determination.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Gordian III's reign is seen as a transitional period in Roman history. He came to power during a time of political instability and managed to restore some order to the empire. His military campaigns helped to secure the borders of the Roman Empire and protect it from external threats.

Art and Culture

Art and Culture

During his reign, Gordian III was a patron of the arts and culture. He supported poets, writers, and artists, contributing to the flourishing of Roman literature and architecture. His reign is remembered as a time of cultural growth and artistic achievement.

Remembering Gordian III

Remembering Gordian III

Today, Gordian III is remembered as a young and ambitious emperor who faced challenges with bravery and determination. His reign may have been short, but his legacy lives on in the annals of Roman history. He is honored for his military successes and his efforts to maintain peace and stability in the empire.

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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

238

Gordian III becomes Roman Emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard

238

Gordian III appoints Timesitheus as his praetorian prefect

242

Gordian III launches a successful campaign against the Sassanid Empire

243

Timesitheus dies and is succeeded by Philip the Arab as praetorian prefect

243

Gordian III marries Philip's daughter, Furia Sabina Tranquillina

244

Gordian III campaigns against the Carpi tribes in Moesia

244

Gordian III dies under suspicious circumstances, possibly assassinated

244

Philip the Arab becomes the new Roman Emperor

249

Philip the Arab is killed in battle against the Persians

249

Gordian III is deified by the Senate

249

Decius becomes the new Roman Emperor

250

Decius launches a persecution against Christians

251

Gordian III's widow, Tranquillina, is executed by Decius

258

Gordian III's memory is officially condemned by the Senate during the reign of Valerian

260

The reign of Gordian III is rehabilitated by the Senate during the reign of Gallienus

260

Gordian III's image appears on coins during the reign of Gallienus

267

Gordian III's name is removed from the Senate's damnatio memoriae list

270

Gordian III's statue is erected in Rome

275

Gordian III's statue is destroyed during the reign of Aurelian

238-244

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.

Gordian III: A Biography Games

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