Gordian III in Roman Biography

Gordian, [Lat. Gordianus, (Marcus Antonius Pius,)] grandson of the elder Gordian, was born about 225, and was proclaimed Caesar by the Roman people when news arrived of the death of the two Gordians in Africa. He was made colleague of the new emperors Maximus and Balbinus, and after their death became emperor, in July, 238 a.d. Gordian, accompanied by his father-in-law, Misitheus, repelled an invasion of Sapor, King of Persia, in 242. He afterwards attacked the Persians, and defeated their army on the banks of the Chaboras. Meanwhile, Philippus, an officer in the Roman army, availing himself of his popularity, caused himself to be proclaimed a colleague of the emperor, and soon after had Gordian put to death, in 244 a.d. See Tillemont, " Histoire des Empereurs;" Montesquieu, "Grandeur et Decadence des Romains;" Gisbert Cuper, " Histnria trium Gordianorum," 1697; Capitolinus, "Gordiani tres."