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Little is known about Gordian's early life or familiar background, though from this name Gordianus it has been surmised that the family's origins were in Phrygia in Anatolia. He was from a modest, although extremely rich, equestrian family but climbed the hierarchy until he entered the Roman senate. Gordian had at least two children: Marcus Antonius Gordianus (Gordian II) and Antonia Gordiana, the mother of Gordian III.

Gordian's political career started relatively late in his life and probably his early years were spent in rhetoric and literary studies. As a military man, Gordian commanded the Legio IV Scythica when the legion was stationed in the Syria province. He served as governor of Roman Britain in 216 and was a suffect consul in the reign of Heliogabalus. While he gained unbounded popularity by the magnificent games and shows he produced as aedile, his prudent and retired life did not excite the suspicion of CaracallaCaracalla ( April 4, 186 April 8, 217) was emperor of the Roman Empire from AD 211 217. Born in Lyons in the province of Gaul in 186, he was the son of the future emperor Septimius Severus and Julia Domna. His given name was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, but, in whose honour he wrote a long epic poem called Antoninias. Gordian certainly retained his wealth and political clout during the chaotic times of the Severan dynasty, which suggest his personal dislike for intrigue.

During the reign of Alexander SeverusMarcus Aurelius Severus Alexander ( October 1, 208- March 18?, 235), commonly called Alexander Severus Roman emperor from AD 222 to 235, was born at Arca Caesarea in Palestine. His father, Gessius Marcianus, held office more than once as an imperial procu, Gordian (who was already about 80 years old) threw the lots to the dangerous honours of government in Africa. In the middle of his proconsulship, Maximinus ThraxCaius Julius Verus Maximinus (c. 173 238), also known as Maximinus Thrax Maximinus the Thracian and Maximinus I was a Roman emperor ( 235 238). He was conspicuous as the first barbarian who wore the imperial purple and the first never to set foot in Rome. killed emperor Alexander Severus in Germania InferiorGermania Inferior (in English Lower Germany was a Roman province, located along the west margin of the Rhine, on today's southern Netherlands and western Germany. The principal settlements of the province were today's Bonn Bona , Xanten Vetera , Utrecht T and assumed the throne. Maximinus was not a popular emperor and universal discontent roused by his oppressive rule culminated in a revolt in Africa in 238. Gordian yielded to the popular clamour and assumed both the purple and the cognomenIn the Roman naming convention used in ancient Rome, male names typically contain three proper nouns which are classified as praenomen (or given name), nomen gentile (or Gens name) and cognomen . Sometimes a second cognomen (called agnomen is added. A mal Africanus on March 22March 22 is the 81st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (82nd in Leap years). There are 284 days remaining. Events 238 Gordian I and his son Gordian II are proclaimed Roman emperors 1621 The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony sign a peace treaty with Mass. In respect to his advanced age, he insisted that his son, Marcus Antonius Gordianus ( Gordian II), be associated with him. A few days later, Gordian entered the city of Carthage with the overwhelming support of the population and local political leaders. Meanwhile in Rome, Maximinus' praetorian prefect was assassinated and the rebellion seemed to be successful. The senate confirmed the new emperor and most of the provinces gladly sided with Gordian.

Opposition would come from the neighbouring province of Numidia. Cappellianus, governor of Numidia and a loyal supporter of Maximinus Thrax, renewed his alliance to the former emperor and invaded the Africa province with several veteran legions. Gordian lost the battle and his son, Gordian II was killed in the confrontation. In response to the death of his son, Gordian took his own life. They had reigned only thirty-six days.

Gordian had deserved his high reputation by his amiable character. Both himself and his son are men reported to be fond of literature and achieved great accomplishments, publishing voluminous works. But they were rather intellectual voluptuaries than able statesmen or powerful rulers. Having embraced the cause of Gordian, the senate was obliged to continue the revolt against Maximinus, and appointed Pupienus and Balbinus, as joint emperors. Nevertheless, by the end of 238, the recognised emperor would be Gordian III, his grandson.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. 1911 Britannica