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The citizens of Roman North Africa rose in revolt against Maximinus' high taxes and proclaimed Gordianus I, the eighty-seven year old proconsul of Africa, to be emperor of Rome along with his son Gordianus II. The Gordians did not have an army to back up their claim, so they were easily defeated by Capellianus, the governor of Numidia who remained loyal to Maximinus. Capellianus' well trained troops slaughtered the rebels lead by Gordianus II, who died in the battle. Gordianus I hanged himself upon hearing of his son's death. They were emperors from March 19 to April 12, A.D. 238, reigning only three and a half weeks. Gordianus I was an educated man, having been a distinguished poet in the literary circles at the court of Empress Julia Domna. He had been a public servant for much of his life and a consul during the reign of Elagabalus.
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