Roman Emperors

Diadumenian

Full Name: Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus

  Severan Dynasty May 217 - June 218

Diadumenian was the young son and briefly the co-emperor of Macrinus. After their defeat by supporters of Elagabalus in AD 218, he was captured while fleeing and executed.

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Elagabalus

Full Name: Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

  Severan Dynasty 218 - 222 (3 years, 9 months )

Elagabalus became emperor as a teenager and was remembered for controversial religious innovations and court behavior. The Praetorian Guard killed him in AD 222 and elevated Severus Alexander.

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Severus Alexander

Full Name: Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander

  Severan Dynasty 13 March 222 – 21 March 235

Severus Alexander was the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. His relatively moderate rule ended when soldiers murdered him during a German campaign, helping usher in the Crisis of the Third Century.

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Maximinus I 'Thrax'

Full Name: Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus

  Crisis of the Third Century c. March 235 - June 238

Maximinus Thrax rose from the army and became emperor after the murder of Severus Alexander. His military rule and conflict with the Senate ended in rebellion and his assassination in AD 238.

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Gordian I

Full Name: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus

  Crisis of the Third Century c. April – c. May 238 (22 days)

Gordian I was proclaimed emperor in Africa during the revolt against Maximinus Thrax in AD 238. His reign lasted only weeks and ended after the defeat and death of his son Gordian II.

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Gordian II

Full Name: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus

  Crisis of the Third Century 238 - 22 days

Gordian II ruled jointly with his father Gordian I during the African revolt of AD 238. He was killed in battle, prompting his father to take his own life.

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Pupienus

Full Name: Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus

  Crisis of the Third Century c. May – c. August 238 (99 days)

Pupienus was chosen by the Senate with Balbinus to oppose Maximinus Thrax during the turbulent Year of the Six Emperors. The Praetorian Guard murdered both men after only a few months.

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Balbinus

Full Name: Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus

  Crisis of the Third Century c. May – c. August 238 (99 days)

Balbinus was appointed co-emperor with Pupienus by the Senate in AD 238. Rivalry between the two rulers weakened their position, and both were murdered by the Praetorian Guard.

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Gordian III

Full Name: Marcus Antonius Gordianus

c. August 238 – c. February 244 (c. 5 years and 6 months)

Gordian III became emperor as a teenager after the deaths of Pupienus and Balbinus. His six-year reign brought temporary stability before he died during a campaign against Persia.

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Philip I 'the Arab'

Full Name: Marcus Julius Philippus

  Crisis of the Third Century c. February 244 – September/October 249 (c. 5 years and 7/8 months)

Philip the Arab succeeded Gordian III and ruled during Rome's thousandth-anniversary celebrations. His reign ended when Decius rebelled and defeated him in battle in AD 249.

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Philip II 'The Younger'

Full Name: Marcus Julius Severus Philippus

  Crisis of the Third Century July/August 247 – September/October 249 (c. 2 years and 2 months)

Philip II was the young son and co-emperor of Philip the Arab. He shared his father's imperial titles but was killed in AD 249 after Decius defeated the elder Philip.

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Decius

Full Name: Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius

  Crisis of the Third Century September/October 249 – June 251 (c. 1 year and 8/9 months)

Decius seized power in AD 249 and launched an empire-wide requirement for public sacrifice that brought severe pressure upon Christians. He died fighting the Goths in AD 251.

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