Gordian II (192-12 April 238) was Roman emperor from 22 March to 12 April 238 with his father Gordian I, succeeding Maximinus Thrax and preceding Pupienus.
Biography[]
Marcus Antonius Gordianus was born in 192, the only son of Gordian I and Fabia Orestilla. Related to prominent senators, he was from a very wealthy and very powerful family. In 238, Gordian's father was acclaimed Roman emperor despite his old age, and he made the young Gordian II his co-ruler during his rebellion against Maximinus Thrax. The unpopularity of Maximinus led to the Roman Senate confirming father and son as emperors, but the neighboring province of Numidia opposed the Gordians. On 12 April 238, Gordian II was slain at the battle of Carthage with Legio III Augusta and other veteran Roman forces, and his father hung himself.