Gordian III

Gordian III (225–244) was the grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II. In 238, after the violent deaths of the two Gordians and the senatorial emperors who followed them, the praetorians acclaimed the thirteen-year-old emperor.

From 241 his praetorian prefect and father-in-law Timesitheus held power. After Shapur I invaded Mesopotamia, Gordian joined the eastern campaign, which defeated the Persians at Resaena in 243. After Timesitheus' death Philip the Arab became prefect, and Gordian died during the campaign around February 244 in disputed circumstances; Philip succeeded him.