Young son of Maximinus who was proclaimed Caesar at the same time his father was hailed as Augustus immediately after the murders of Severus Alexander and his mother. Both were killed in a mutiny prior to a battle with the forces of Pupienus.   AR Denarius RIC 1, S 2372, C 1 Denarius Obv: IVLVERVSMAXIMVSCAES - Dressed bust right. Rev: PIETASAVG - Sacrificial implements. November 235 - February 236 (Rome). RIC 3, BMC 211, C 10 Denarius Obv: MAXIMVSCAESGERM - Bare-headed, draped bust right. Rev: PRINCIVVENTVTIS - Maximus standing left, holding baton and reversed spear, behind,...

Maximinus rose to power via the army where he served as legion commander during a turbulent period of battles against the Germanic tribes. The soldiers under his command, displeased with the wishy-washy way of their current emperor (Severus Alexander), voted with their swords and proclaimed Maximinus emperor. Although he scored a number of successes against the barbarians his dealings in civilian matters were another story entirely. He terrorized the Senate and raised taxes drastically. His tyranical ways, which included a seething contempt for aristocracy, the arts and religion, soon became known...

When the revolt of Gordian I & II in Northern Africa failed the Senate appointed Pupienus and Balbinus as joint emperors. However, this choice proved to be so unpopular that the Senate sought and found the grandson of Gordian I and named him Caesar so as to give an air of a dynastic lineage. Balbinus and Pupienus were murdered soon after leaving the teenage Gordian I as sole emperor. Gordian III then spent the next several years in relative obscurity participating in various wars. He was killed by agents of his Praetorian Prefect, Philip, who had ambitions to become emperor himself. AU...

Balbinus was one of the two nominees to the transfer of power following the disappointing crushing of the revolt led by Gordian I and II. As they were both chosen by the Senate to protect their own interests, both the Praetorian Guard as well as the public in general found the decision intolerable. Instead, they had wanted for a successor of pedigree. Understanding that gaining the support of the civilians and army was essential, they then found the teenager grandson of Gordian I and named him Caesar. Balbinus for his part had a deep mistrust for Pupienus (who felt likewise about Balbinus) and the two never...