Deaths on April 12

Gordian II

Died on April 12, 0238

Gordian II, Roman emperor (b. 192)

Gordian II (Latin: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus; c. 192 – April 238) was Roman emperor with his father Gordian I in 238, the Year of the Six Emperors. Seeking to overthrow Maximinus Thrax, he died in battle outside Carthage. Since he died before his father, Gordian II had the shortest reign of any Roman emperor, at 22 days.

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Gordian II

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Events on 238

7 Mar

Maximinus Thrax
Roman subjects in the province of Africa revolt against Maximinus Thrax and elect Gordian I as emperor.
12 Apr

Battle of Carthage (238)
Gordian II loses the Battle of Carthage against the Numidian forces loyal to Maximinus Thrax and is killed. Gordian I, his father, commits suicide.
22 Apr

Maximinus Thrax
Year of the Six Emperors: The Roman Senate outlaws emperor Maximinus Thrax for his bloodthirsty proscriptions in Rome and nominates two of its members, Pupienus and Balbinus, to the throne.
29 Jul

Pupienus and Balbinus
The Praetorian Guard storm the palace and capture Pupienus and Balbinus. They are dragged through the streets of Rome and executed. On the same day, Gordian III, age 13, is proclaimed emperor.