Series: Empire - Gordian I
Reference: RIC IV Gordiano I 5

Gens and monetary:Crisis of the 3rd century - Gordian I
Year and mint:From 238 AD to 238 AD - Rome
Obverse:Bust of Gordian I, laureate, draped, with cuirass, right. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
Reverse:Securitas, draped, seated on the left, holding a short scepter in her right hand. AVGG SECVRITAS

Grade:EF 3.02 g - 6h
Origin:Naumann 2025

Comment:
Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Africanus, better known as Gordianus I, was Roman emperor for a few weeks in 238 AD, ruling alongside his son Gordianus II. Apparently, Gordianus, who was already advanced in age, accepted the imperial title only on the condition of associating his son to the throne to ensure that he would succeed him.
Gordiano came from a wealthy equestrian family, related to several senators. The name Gordian suggests an origin in Anatolia, possibly linked to the city of Gordio. Additionally, he had a sister named Antonia Gordiana, who was the mother of the future emperor Gordian III.
Gordian I’s political career began as a quaestor during the reign of Elagabalus. Later, he held the positions of praetor and consul under the government of Alexander Severus. In addition, he was the author of an epic poem titled Antoninias, composed in honor of the emperor Caracalla. Gordianus also commanded the Legio IV Scythica in Syria. In the year 216 AD. He was appointed governor of Britain, and later served as suffect consul during the government of Elagabalus. The fact that his name was removed from some inscriptions in Britain suggests that he fell from grace at some point, although he was later rehabilitated.
In the year 238, a rebellion broke out in the province of Africa, provoked mainly by the exorbitant tributes demanded by the emperor Maximinus the Thracian. Following this insurrection, Gordianus was proclaimed emperor by the rebellious army and adopted the honorific title of Africanus. Due to his advanced age, he insisted on naming his son Gordian II co-emperor to share the throne. The elderly Gordian entered Carthage acclaimed by the crowd and local leaders, while in Rome the praetorian prefect of Maximinus was assassinated. The Senate, delighted to be rid of Maximinus, immediately recognized the new emperor, and most of the provinces of the Empire aligned themselves in his favor.
However, opposition soon appeared: the governor of the neighboring province of Numidia, Capelian, loyal to Maximinus the Thracian, invaded Africa at the head of the Legio III Augusta, made up of veterans. Gordian II’s forces were defeated and the young co-emperor was killed at the Battle of Carthage. After learning of his son’s death, Gordian I committed suicide by hanging himself with his own belt, after just twenty days of reign.