The story of the two Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus is one of the most pathetic tales in the history of the Roman Empire.

The elevation of the octogenarian as Gordian I and his son as Gordian II took place in Africa in the first week of January 238CE in direct opposition to the 8ft 6" Maximinus Thrax and his over zealous tax collectors. Despite the laxity of the whole adventure the two Gordii were officially recognised by the Senate, who also hated the low born Maximinus.

However, even before 'the Thracian' could reach Italy the governor of Numidia, Capellianus, which bordered Gordian's province of Africa Pronconsularis and who was a personal enemy of Gordian I, sent in the only legion in the region(Third Legion 'Augusta')

The local militias led by Gordian II were easily overwhelmed and the younger Gordian was killed in the fighting. Upon hearing of his sons death, the elder Gordian retired to a private room and promptly hung himself with his own belt.

It was the last week of January. The joint rule of the Gordii had lasted for 20 days, the shortest reign in Roman history

(although there are suggestions that Claudius II Gothicus's brother, Quintillus, committed suicide without ever leaving Aquileia after only 17 days as emperor, but this is unprovable)