Battle of Carthage

Portrait of Gordian II on a denarius.
Datec. April 238[1]
Location
Near Carthage
Result Maximinus victory
Belligerents
Numidian forces loyal to Maximinus Thrax Forces of Gordian I
and Gordian II
Commanders and leaders
Capelianus Gordian II †
Strength
one legion
other veteran units		 larger army of
untrained militia

The Battle of Carthage was fought in 238 AD between a Roman army loyal to Emperor Maximinus Thrax and the forces of Emperors Gordian I and Gordian II.

Background

Gordian I and II were father and son, both supported by the Roman Senate and based in Africa Province. The battle was part of a rebellion against Emperor Maximinus Thrax started by landowners who felt they had been overly and unfairly taxed. These landowners assassinated the procurator in Thysdrus and called on Gordian I and his son Gordian II to be their emperors.[2]

Capelianus was the governor of Numidia who had a previous grudge against Gordian I according to Herodian. Herodian says this grudge was developed after a lawsuit involving the two. Soon after being elected emperor, Gordian I sent a replacement to Numidia to replace his old enemy Capelianus. This action would eventually lead to his untimely demise.[3]

The battle

Gordian I marched from Thysdrus to Carthage, where news of the rebellion was welcomed.[4] Capelianus led the only legion in Africa, Legio III Augusta, in battle against the two emperors.[5]

The two armies met near Carthage. Gordian II personally led his army, consisting of militiamen without military training: he was defeated and killed. Upon learning of his son's death, Gordian I committed suicide.[4]

Lasting effects

With the death of the two Gordians the Roman senate elected two new emperors that were not popular with the public. The senate then decided to turn to the 13-year-old Gordian III to become the new Caesar.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ The exact chronology of events is unknown. See: Rea, J. (1972). "O. Leid. 144 and the Chronology of A.D. 238". ZPE 9, 1-19.
  2. ↑ Townsend, Prescott (1955). The revolution of A.D. 238: the leaders and their aims. Yale Classical Studies. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  3. 1 2 Wasson, Donald. "Gordian Emperors". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 Meckler, Michael A. (26 June 2001). "Gordian I (238 A.D.)". Die Imperatoribus Romanis. Salve Regina University. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Brent, Allen (2010). Cyprian and Roman Carthage. New York: Cambridge University Press. p. 118. ISBN 9780521515474.

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