Autore: Riccardo Bertolazzi
Anno edizione: 2025
Collana: (Con)testi Collana di studi del Dipartimento Culture e Civiltà dell'Università di Verona, 7
Isbn: 978-88-5491-647-0
Formato: 17x24
Pagine: 200
The reign of Gordian III stands out as an anomaly in the turbulent history of the Third Century. He ascended to the throne at the young age of 13 or 14 in 238 and ruled until 244, during which time he maintained the loyalty of the army, collaborated with the Senate, and garnered the favour of the Roman people. Understanding how he achieved this is challenging. The limited literary sources which discuss this period portray Gordian’s reign in highly favourable terms but lack details on how he exercised his power. Fortunately, an analysis of epigraphic and numismatic sources offers a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that the emperor primarily ruled with the support of his council. It is remarkable to see how this regime managed to maintain a degree of stability and effectively manage propaganda, ultimately leaving history with the impression of a courageous and enlightened emperor.
Sommario:
List of illustrations
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: From the Severans to the Year of the Six Emperors
1.1. The end of the Severan dynasty and the reign of Maximinus
1.2. The family of the Gordians and the revolt in Africa
1.3. Pupienus, Balbinus, and Gordian III Caesar
1.4. Gordian’s Caesarship
1.5. The end of Pupienus and Balbinus’s regime
1.6. Conclusions.
Chapter 2: The First Years
2.1. Gordian III becomes Augustus
2.2. Strong men, weak government?
2.3. Procurators, municipal magistrates, soldiers: policies and juridical sources
2.4. Virtue and providence: Gordian’s policies on coins and inscriptions
2.5. Troubled years (238-240): campaigns, eclipses, and usurpations
2.6. The emperor, Rome, and the provinces of the empire
2.7. Conclusions
Chapter 3: The Last Years
3.1. Sabinia Tranquillina
3.2. Timesitheus
3.3. The events of 241-242 before the Persian war
3.4. The last years and the Persian war
3.5. Conclusions
Chapter 4: Aftermath and Assessment
Bibliography
Source Index
General Index
