Silver Antoninianus of Emperor Gordian III - C.4901 Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 240 AD to 244 AD Collection: Numismatics Style: Roman Medium: Silver Gordianus III, the thirteen-year old grandson of Gordianus I was proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard after they murdered Balbinus and Pupienus. Gordian appointed the wise and good Timestheus as Praetorian Prefect. Under the counsel of Timestheus, Gordian ruled well and became quite popular. The Roman Empire had peace and stability during his reign, which was rare during the Third Century A.D. In 241, the Persian King Ardashir died, and his son Shapur immediately began making trouble for Rome by invading Syria. The next year, Gordianus and his army went to deal with Shapur and won several victories in battle against the ruthless Persian. Timestheus died of an illness in 243 and Philip the Arab became Gordian's Praetorian Prefect in his place. Philip was not the loyal friend that Timesthius was, taking great pains to make the soldiers dislike Gordianus by bringing about a shortage of supplies and blaming it on Gordianus' inexperience. On February 25, 244, Gordianus was murdered while campaigning in the East with the army by forces loyal to Philip.

Antique Coins
Ancient coins