Roman Imperial
Gordian III (238-244), Denarius 238-239, Rome mint
Obverse: bust of the emperor in a laurel wreath facing right
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding globe and sceptre
PROVIDENTIA AVG
Weight 3.76 g
Year 241, which was that of Gordian 's second consulate, Sapor I king of the Persians, invaded Mesopotamia, then subject to the Romans and the terror which his arms inspired, spread not only in the East, but through Italy itself. The Sapor in question was son of that Artaxerxes who, after overthrowing the Arsacid, brought Parthia again under Persian rule, as it is said, during the reign of Alexander Severus. Gordianus III. made immense preparations to meet this powerful foe. The same year he married Sabinia Tranquillina.
