Gordian III and western North Africa

Abstract

As is well known, the Gordian dynasty was born in Africa when the inhabitants of Thysdrus proclaimed Gordian I and Gordian II emperors in 238. Still, the military issues which followed the disbandment of the legio III Augusta and the revolt led by Sabinianus in Carthage in 240 seem to indicate that the relationship between Gordian III (r. 238-244) and the provinces of north-western Africa was not always good. Despite this, the epigraphic documentation concerning this period bespeaks that the regime of Gordian III did its best to ensure security along the borders and cultivate its popularity among the African people. On the one hand, it advertised continuity with the policies of Severus Alexander, whereas, on the other, it showed discontinuity with those of Maximinus Thrax. It is then probable that one of the reasons the revolt of Sabinianus was short-lived was the lack of support among the local population, who generally identified Gordian III as a good ruler.

Keywords

• Gordian III
• legion III Augusta
• limes
• honorary monuments
• milestones
• Severus Alexander