238 · Rome, Africa, and the frontier Theater
238
In a single chaotic year, six men claimed the imperial title. A revolt in Africa raised the elderly Gordian I and his son, who quickly fell; the Senate then named Pupienus and Balbinus to resist Maximinus Thrax, who marched on Italy but was murdered by his own starving troops besieging Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus were then killed by the Praetorian Guard, leaving the boy Gordian III on the throne.
Commanders