Battle of Carthage (238)

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, and both Emperors, 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 to be their emperor. Gordian I marched from Thysdrus to Carthage, where news of the rebellion was welcomed. Capelianus, governor of Numidia and enemy of the Gordians, led the only legion in Africa, Legio III Augusta, in battle against the two emperors.

The two armies met near Carthage. Gordian II personally led his army, consisting of militiamen without military training: he was defeated and killed, and, upon learning of his son's death, Gordian I committed suicide.