238-244 AD Ancient Rome, Gordian III Silver Antoninianus Ancient Grades xf. Gordian III was Roman emperor from 238 to 244. At the age of 14, he became the second-youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire; the youngest ever being Severus Alexander, who had assumed the princepship at thirteen. Gordian was the son of Antonia Gordiana and Junius Balbus, who died before 238. Antonia Gordiana was the daughter of Emperor Gordian I and younger sister of Emperor Gordian II. Very little is known of his early life before his acclamation.