Background
She was the daughter of Roman Emperor Gordian I. Sister to Roman Emperor Gordian II and mother to Roman Emperor Gordian III. Gordiana’s mother may be the granddaughter of Greek Sophist, consul and tutor Herodes Atticus.
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Antonia Gordiana
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Augustan History names her as Maecia Faustina, however modern historians dismiss her name as false. She was most probably born in Rome. Previous owners included Roman Triumvir Mark Antony and Roman Emperor Tiberius.
After 214, Gordiana married an unnamed Roman Senator.
The birth name of Gordian III is unknown and his birthplace is unknown. The name of Gordian (as we know him) he assumed when he became Roman Emperor.
Her husband had died before 238. Effects were made to limit the charges against the Roman wealthy and notable.
Attention was made to strengthen defences along the empire’s borders and Roman Governors were prosecuted if they abused Roman taxes and power of the provinces.
Later, in May of that year, Gordian would marry Timesitheus’ daughter Tranquillina, who became Roman Empress. Timesitheus died in 243, and Gordian appointed the ambitious Philip the Arab as the new prefect. In February 244, Gordian died of unknown causes.
Gordian either died in battle or was possibly murdered on the orders of Philip.
However, Philip was proclaimed the new emperor. The fate of Gordiana after her son’s death is unknown.
