Battle of Carthage (238)
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| Battle of Carthage | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Portrait of Gordian II on a denarius. | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Numidian forces loyal to Maximinus Thrax |
Forces of Gordian I and Gordian II | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Capelianus | Gordian II † | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
|
One legion other veteran units |
Larger army of untrained militia | ||||||
The Battle of Carthage was fought in 238 AD between a Roman army loyal to Emperor Maximinus Thrax and the forces of Emperors Gordian I and Gordian II.
Gordian I and II were father and son, both supported by the Roman Senate and based in Africa Province. The battle was part of a rebellion against Emperor Maximinus Thrax started by landowners who felt they had been overly and unfairly taxed. These landowners assassinated the procurator in Thysdrus and called on Gordian I and his son Gordian II to be their emperors.[2]
Capelianus was the governor of Numidia who had a previous grudge against Gordian I according to Herodian. Herodian says this grudge was developed after a lawsuit involving the two. Soon after being elected emperor, Gordian I sent a replacement to Numidia to replace his old enemy Capelianus. This action would eventually lead to his untimely demise.[3]
Gordian I and II were not only supported by the Roman Senate but also enjoyed popular support in Africa Province, where they were seen as champions of the people against the oppressive taxation policies of Emperor Maximinus Thrax.[4] The rebellion against Maximinus Thrax was sparked by a deep-seated discontent among landowners who felt burdened by heavy taxes. This discontent culminated in the assassination of the procurator in Thysdrus and the subsequent proclamation of Gordian I and Gordian II as emperors by the rebellious landowners.[5]