Gordianus,

Gordianus, the name of three Roman emperors, father, son, and grandson.—The first, MARCUS ANTONIUS GORDIANUS, was descended by the father's side from the famous family of the Gracchi. After being ædile, in which capacity he celebrated gladiatorial sports with great magnificence, he twice filled the office of consul. On the conclusion of his second term of office he was appointed proconsul of Africa. He was a man of modest and gentle manners, great liberality, and refined literary taste. The tyranny and injustice of the Emperor Maximinus at length excited a rebellion in Africa, the authors of which proclaimed Gordianus emperor, although he was then (238) in his eightieth year. At the same time his son was conjoined with him in the exercise of imperial authority. The younger Gordianus, however, was defeated and slain in battle by Capellianus, vicroy of Mauritania, before Carthage, whereupon his father put an end to his own existence, having been emperor for little more than a month.—MARCUS ANTONIUS GORDIANUS, grandson of the preceding, was raised to the dignity of Cæsar along with Pupienus and Balbinus, who were also elected emperors in opposition to Maximinus; and, in the same year (238), after the three last named had all fallen by the hands of their own soldiers, Gordianus was elevated by the Prætorian bands to the rank of Augustus. Assisted by his father-in-law, Misitheus, a man distinguished for his wisdom, virtue, and courage, whom he made prefect of the Prætorians, Gordianus marched in 242 into Asia, against the Persians, who under Shapûr (Sapor) had taken possession of Mesopotamia and had advanced into Syria. Antioch, which was threatened by them, was relieved by Gordianus; the Persians were driven back beyond the Euphrates; and Gordianus was just about to march into their country when Misitheus died. Philip the Arabian, who succeeded Misitheus, stirred up the soldiery to assassinate the emperor (244).