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Gordian III and Philip the Arab: The Roman Empire at a Crossroads
This is a dual biography of the emperors Marcus Antonius Gordianus ('Gordian III', reigned 238-244) and Marcus Julius Philippus Augustus ('Philip the Arab', reigned 244-249), focusing mainly on the political and military events during this crucial stage of the 'Third Century Crisis'.
The tumultuous 'Year of the Six Emperors' saw Gordian raised to the purple at just thirteen years of age, becoming the youngest emperor in the Empire's history at a time when the borders were threatened by the powerful Sassanid Persians and the Goths, among others. Gordian died on a campaign against the Persians, either in battle or possibly murdered by his own men.
Philip, succeeded Gordian, made peace with Shapur I and returned to Italy. His reign encompassed the spectacular celebration of Rome's millennium in 248 but the wars in the Balkans and East together with crippling taxation led to mutinies and rebellions. Philip and his brother had until then fought successfully against the Persians and others but this did not save Philip, who was killed by a usurper's forces at the Battle of Verona in 249. He had been Rome's first Christian emperor and the author considers why it was fifty years before she had another.
The tumultuous 'Year of the Six Emperors' saw Gordian raised to the purple at just thirteen years of age, becoming the youngest emperor in the Empire's history at a time when the borders were threatened by the powerful Sassanid Persians and the Goths, among others. Gordian died on a campaign against the Persians, either in battle or possibly murdered by his own men.
Philip, succeeded Gordian, made peace with Shapur I and returned to Italy. His reign encompassed the spectacular celebration of Rome's millennium in 248 but the wars in the Balkans and East together with crippling taxation led to mutinies and rebellions. Philip and his brother had until then fought successfully against the Persians and others but this did not save Philip, who was killed by a usurper's forces at the Battle of Verona in 249. He had been Rome's first Christian emperor and the author considers why it was fifty years before she had another.
- GenresHistory
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 2, 2021
Ilkka Syvanne is a mixed bag for myself as a reader, his material is very good and he is the leading military historian for much of its period of superiority. With that said, his book definitely gives priority to the military engagements and army compositions while the Emperor's an the politics take second place importance.
I did enjoy this book though, as he discusses the Gordiani family of Gordian I, II and III while also talking about Pupienus and Balubinus who ruled for a short period of time, and concluded with Decius. I really wish someone would do a personal biography of these emperors, but for right now, Syvanne did an excellent job of this coming from his background which given the period of time and context makes sense. With that said he does an excellent job of making sense of the sources and critically analyzing which ones are more plausible given the context.
All in all, not bad, Ilkka for all of his knowledge is not my first choice for Roman biographical history but I still did enjoy it in many of its aspects.
I did enjoy this book though, as he discusses the Gordiani family of Gordian I, II and III while also talking about Pupienus and Balubinus who ruled for a short period of time, and concluded with Decius. I really wish someone would do a personal biography of these emperors, but for right now, Syvanne did an excellent job of this coming from his background which given the period of time and context makes sense. With that said he does an excellent job of making sense of the sources and critically analyzing which ones are more plausible given the context.
All in all, not bad, Ilkka for all of his knowledge is not my first choice for Roman biographical history but I still did enjoy it in many of its aspects.
August 27, 2022
The Roman Empire in 235 C.E. The Emperor Alexander Severus lies dead beside his hated mother in his campaign tent. His rival Maximinus Thrax is about to assume the Purple, but he will also lead the Empire into a crisis that will last most of the rest of the century. In this book, Ilkka Syvänne narrates the military history of the crisis through biographies of the four emperors who made it happen.
Syvänne’s academic credentials are on show from the beginning, with an analysis of his sources. They are few and lean towards the earlier period, and the book’s structure follows a similar path. Syvänne acknowledges that he accepts sources where others might not, though he declares his speculations in the text, and he is inclined to use the theory of ‘military probability' based on his military education. As the reader, if you can allow Syvänne that latitude, you will enjoy what follows. Syvänne’s second platform for understanding the narrative is a description of the 3rd Century Roman army complete with drawings of soldiers by the multi-talented author.
We step into the reigns of the emperors next, starting with Alexander Severus and his dominating mother, Julia Mamaea, from 222 to 235 - Syvänne uses the unfortunate term ‘mama’s boy’ to describe Alexander, a blip in an otherwise well-written book. This was a period of rebellions, Persian invasions, and Roman counter-invasions, out of which Alexander’s military reputation did not emerge unscathed. When Alexander, or Julia, abandoned a planned invasion of Germany, Maximinus curried favour with the army, who deserted en masse, while Alexander was assassinated. Maximinus ruled through fear and savagery. He also conducted campaigns into Germany lasting three years in which the Romans won the pitched battles but were dogged at every step by Germanic hit-and-run tactics. However, when Maximinus attempted to raise extraordinary taxes in Africa in 238, he set off a widespread series of revolts in what became known as The Year of the Six Emperors. Gordian I kicked off the revolt but he was soon dead along with his obese son. The Senate nominated two more emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus, to carry on the rebellion, which they did while raising up a boy, Gordian III, to become a figurehead emperor. Syvänne picks his way through the resultant confusion and conflict, including Maximinus’ assassination by his soldiers, and ending with the murders of Pupienus and Balbinus.
That brings us to the reign of Gordian III, and we run into source problems for him, particularly how to treat the Historia Augusta. Syvänne tells us that Gordian faced more military problems from 238-241 and narrates the Persian War from 241-244. The man behind the throne during this period was Timesitheus, but he died to be replaced by Philip the Arab, who became co-emperor, then probably murdered Gordian to become the outright emperor. Syvänne notes that our sources are down to mere fragments for Philip but does his best to fill in the considerable gaps. Philip made peace with the Persians in 244 but was soon at war in the Balkans and faced revolts, most notably in Egypt. Decius usurped Philip in 249 and had him killed. Syvänne argues that Philip has been under-rated as emperor and as a commander. And here, Syvänne’s narrative ends.
If you haven’t read much ancient history and are just looking for a good story, you might find Syvänne a bit heavy going. He likes to get into the weeds and shows his readers the inner workings of constructing a narrative through interpreting evidence. But this is the joy of Ancient History, collating the evidence to see what is hidden and then debating the results. Syvänne’s skill is in making that accessible to readers outside the academic sphere. He writes well and with obvious superior knowledge of his subject. This book is no different in that regards. In this book, Syvänne shines a light on a murky period in Roman history and provides a better understanding of the complex events that made up the crisis of the 3rd Century.
Syvänne’s academic credentials are on show from the beginning, with an analysis of his sources. They are few and lean towards the earlier period, and the book’s structure follows a similar path. Syvänne acknowledges that he accepts sources where others might not, though he declares his speculations in the text, and he is inclined to use the theory of ‘military probability' based on his military education. As the reader, if you can allow Syvänne that latitude, you will enjoy what follows. Syvänne’s second platform for understanding the narrative is a description of the 3rd Century Roman army complete with drawings of soldiers by the multi-talented author.
We step into the reigns of the emperors next, starting with Alexander Severus and his dominating mother, Julia Mamaea, from 222 to 235 - Syvänne uses the unfortunate term ‘mama’s boy’ to describe Alexander, a blip in an otherwise well-written book. This was a period of rebellions, Persian invasions, and Roman counter-invasions, out of which Alexander’s military reputation did not emerge unscathed. When Alexander, or Julia, abandoned a planned invasion of Germany, Maximinus curried favour with the army, who deserted en masse, while Alexander was assassinated. Maximinus ruled through fear and savagery. He also conducted campaigns into Germany lasting three years in which the Romans won the pitched battles but were dogged at every step by Germanic hit-and-run tactics. However, when Maximinus attempted to raise extraordinary taxes in Africa in 238, he set off a widespread series of revolts in what became known as The Year of the Six Emperors. Gordian I kicked off the revolt but he was soon dead along with his obese son. The Senate nominated two more emperors, Pupienus and Balbinus, to carry on the rebellion, which they did while raising up a boy, Gordian III, to become a figurehead emperor. Syvänne picks his way through the resultant confusion and conflict, including Maximinus’ assassination by his soldiers, and ending with the murders of Pupienus and Balbinus.
That brings us to the reign of Gordian III, and we run into source problems for him, particularly how to treat the Historia Augusta. Syvänne tells us that Gordian faced more military problems from 238-241 and narrates the Persian War from 241-244. The man behind the throne during this period was Timesitheus, but he died to be replaced by Philip the Arab, who became co-emperor, then probably murdered Gordian to become the outright emperor. Syvänne notes that our sources are down to mere fragments for Philip but does his best to fill in the considerable gaps. Philip made peace with the Persians in 244 but was soon at war in the Balkans and faced revolts, most notably in Egypt. Decius usurped Philip in 249 and had him killed. Syvänne argues that Philip has been under-rated as emperor and as a commander. And here, Syvänne’s narrative ends.
If you haven’t read much ancient history and are just looking for a good story, you might find Syvänne a bit heavy going. He likes to get into the weeds and shows his readers the inner workings of constructing a narrative through interpreting evidence. But this is the joy of Ancient History, collating the evidence to see what is hidden and then debating the results. Syvänne’s skill is in making that accessible to readers outside the academic sphere. He writes well and with obvious superior knowledge of his subject. This book is no different in that regards. In this book, Syvänne shines a light on a murky period in Roman history and provides a better understanding of the complex events that made up the crisis of the 3rd Century.
December 31, 2021
A fresh take on a period of Roman imperial history which is gradually coming more into the main stream, Ilkka Syvanne's work is a set of new biographies on some lesser known Roman rulers in a turbulent and critical time in Roman history.
The book itself is an enjoyable read covering the period AD222-AD249, including the reigns of several Emperors, which are best divided into four sections. The first two cover briefly the reigns of Alexander Severus and Maximinus Thrax and then, in more detail, the turbulent civil war of AD238 known also as the Year of the Six Emperors. The third and fourth sections cover the reigns of Gordian III and Philip the Arab respectively.
The book is very much a military history and Syvanne's expertise as a military historian is not in doubt. His discussion of the reign of Severus very much focuses on the continuation of military reforms begun under Caracalla, particularly the enhanced role of the cavalry, whilst he gives an indepth discussion of the wars of Maximinus Thrax and the Civil War of AD238.
Placing a new trust in often doubted sources such as the Augustan History, Syvanne presents a very worthy and positive biography of both Gordian III and Philip, focusing especially on their military exploits. In Gordian's case his guardianship under the brilliant Timesitheus and successful war against the Sassanid Empire and Philips ability to stabilize the empire after his usurpation of power with the murder of Gordian III and his own attempts to establish a dynasty before himself being overthrown in a brief civil war in AD249.
There were several elements which I feel reduced the quality of the work however. For instance, though no expert on the Roman army, I was at times lost during the discussions of military reforms during Alexander Severus' reign, mostly because the author picks up and expands on points made in his previous books, which he recommends the reader to refer to rather than explain them again, even in summery. There is a lot of repetition in places, with a point being restated several times when it had already been sufficiently established. The use of direct block quotes from the sources is useful but also feels like filler in order to pad out the total length of the work.
Though it must be said that Syvanne gives fair warning as to the leaps of his hypotheses regarding Gordian and Philips reigns given the lack of primary source material, I was not entirely convinced by his arguments, especially with regard to Philip, who he convincingly and rightly rehabilitates as an able leader, but to whom I feel he is slightly too generous.
Perhaps the greatest claim in this regard was his attribution of successful 'germ warfare' to Philip, whom he claims used germs to spread disease among an invading Gothic army besieging Marcianopolis in 246-7, who then carried it back across the danube to their territories from whence it spread further before returning to the empire with a subsequent invasion in AD250-1. Though I am aware the ancients knew about the effects of squalor on public heath and a variety of poisons I never came across its intentional use on such a scale before and indeed Syvanne gives no such reference, even to the use of poisons in ancient warfare, which might have at least given greater credence to this line of argument. Or perhaps I am just too lacking in imagination to believe it, though I place great admiration in the ancients in general. It is up to the reader to decide.
Another area which could have been improved upon was a discussion of Christianity. Christians are very visible in the work and were now a visible element within the Roman Empire at this time though little is discussed regarding this visibility which would have added to Syanne's argument for the strong Christian faction at court in Rome and also that allowed for Philip to rule successfully as a 'Christian' emperor. A discussion of Gordian and Philips legislation, a very rich quantity of which survives given the time period would also have done more to shed light on society at the time and the civic administration of these rulers.
For all its short coming this book more than any recently really tested my knowledge of Roman History and got me thinking. It is a reminder to always think of new ideas and perspectives when looking at history so long ago and to never underestimate the ancient's or be in doubt as to their abilities, be they a foolish yet remarkably brave teenage emperor or a closeted Christian ruler and part-time virologist. Add it to you library!
The book itself is an enjoyable read covering the period AD222-AD249, including the reigns of several Emperors, which are best divided into four sections. The first two cover briefly the reigns of Alexander Severus and Maximinus Thrax and then, in more detail, the turbulent civil war of AD238 known also as the Year of the Six Emperors. The third and fourth sections cover the reigns of Gordian III and Philip the Arab respectively.
The book is very much a military history and Syvanne's expertise as a military historian is not in doubt. His discussion of the reign of Severus very much focuses on the continuation of military reforms begun under Caracalla, particularly the enhanced role of the cavalry, whilst he gives an indepth discussion of the wars of Maximinus Thrax and the Civil War of AD238.
Placing a new trust in often doubted sources such as the Augustan History, Syvanne presents a very worthy and positive biography of both Gordian III and Philip, focusing especially on their military exploits. In Gordian's case his guardianship under the brilliant Timesitheus and successful war against the Sassanid Empire and Philips ability to stabilize the empire after his usurpation of power with the murder of Gordian III and his own attempts to establish a dynasty before himself being overthrown in a brief civil war in AD249.
There were several elements which I feel reduced the quality of the work however. For instance, though no expert on the Roman army, I was at times lost during the discussions of military reforms during Alexander Severus' reign, mostly because the author picks up and expands on points made in his previous books, which he recommends the reader to refer to rather than explain them again, even in summery. There is a lot of repetition in places, with a point being restated several times when it had already been sufficiently established. The use of direct block quotes from the sources is useful but also feels like filler in order to pad out the total length of the work.
Though it must be said that Syvanne gives fair warning as to the leaps of his hypotheses regarding Gordian and Philips reigns given the lack of primary source material, I was not entirely convinced by his arguments, especially with regard to Philip, who he convincingly and rightly rehabilitates as an able leader, but to whom I feel he is slightly too generous.
Perhaps the greatest claim in this regard was his attribution of successful 'germ warfare' to Philip, whom he claims used germs to spread disease among an invading Gothic army besieging Marcianopolis in 246-7, who then carried it back across the danube to their territories from whence it spread further before returning to the empire with a subsequent invasion in AD250-1. Though I am aware the ancients knew about the effects of squalor on public heath and a variety of poisons I never came across its intentional use on such a scale before and indeed Syvanne gives no such reference, even to the use of poisons in ancient warfare, which might have at least given greater credence to this line of argument. Or perhaps I am just too lacking in imagination to believe it, though I place great admiration in the ancients in general. It is up to the reader to decide.
Another area which could have been improved upon was a discussion of Christianity. Christians are very visible in the work and were now a visible element within the Roman Empire at this time though little is discussed regarding this visibility which would have added to Syanne's argument for the strong Christian faction at court in Rome and also that allowed for Philip to rule successfully as a 'Christian' emperor. A discussion of Gordian and Philips legislation, a very rich quantity of which survives given the time period would also have done more to shed light on society at the time and the civic administration of these rulers.
For all its short coming this book more than any recently really tested my knowledge of Roman History and got me thinking. It is a reminder to always think of new ideas and perspectives when looking at history so long ago and to never underestimate the ancient's or be in doubt as to their abilities, be they a foolish yet remarkably brave teenage emperor or a closeted Christian ruler and part-time virologist. Add it to you library!
July 3, 2025
This book makes sense of a very chaotic time in the Roman Empire, quoting the sparse documentation (especially the unreliable Historia Augusta) from this period to make an educated guesswork of what actually happened, which the author reminds us throughout the book. Instead of proposing a convoluted theory, the author relies on simple and practical reasons for the histories events, and also backing this with numismatics (the coins minted by the different emperors as they were used as propaganda).
But from the few sources the emperors are brought to life, often a very short life, before they are killed and replaced by the constant supply of usurpers, backed either by the army or the senate who are at loggerheads, plus Christianity weighs in as a factor too.
We learn how crucial preparations for campaigns were, something that Maximinius Thrax failed to take into consideration when he went to Italy to put down the usurpers backed by the senate. The Roman armies appear to be quite modern in that sense, relying on reconnaissance and logistics. And that the Roman military also had special operations, germ warfare, hatchet men and spies in its arsenal.
The book is both academic and still an enjoyable read (which is often not the case with academic books), and speculative, which is obvious due to the few fragments left from that time.
But from the few sources the emperors are brought to life, often a very short life, before they are killed and replaced by the constant supply of usurpers, backed either by the army or the senate who are at loggerheads, plus Christianity weighs in as a factor too.
We learn how crucial preparations for campaigns were, something that Maximinius Thrax failed to take into consideration when he went to Italy to put down the usurpers backed by the senate. The Roman armies appear to be quite modern in that sense, relying on reconnaissance and logistics. And that the Roman military also had special operations, germ warfare, hatchet men and spies in its arsenal.
The book is both academic and still an enjoyable read (which is often not the case with academic books), and speculative, which is obvious due to the few fragments left from that time.
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