AD 235
The empire in chaos

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Between AD 235 and 284, no fewer than 26 military leaders seize power, including some who are enemies of Rome. The new emperor Maximinus faces two plots against him almost immediately, and although his military campaigns secure the Rhine and Danube frontiers, the cost of his campaigns makes him unpopular in Rome. The first attempt to instal a new emperor, in AD 238, produces the father-and-son reign of Gordian I and II, which lasts for just 20 days. The two senators, Pupienus and Balbinus, take power next, and although Maximinus is killed during their reign, this doesn't save them from being murdered themselves. Gordian III is just 13 when he is installed as emperor in May AD 238. He lasts until AD 244, when he makes the mistake of asking his troops to choose between him and the Praetorian commander Philip the Arab. They choose Philip and Gordian is killed. Over the next 16 years, 16 emperors come to power; not one of them dies a peaceful death.

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