Pupienus and Balbinus

Decius Caelius Calvinus Balbinus and Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus were elected co-emperors by the Roman Senate in 238 after the deaths of the two Gordians. After news of Maximinus's murder reached Rome, tensions increased between the Senate and the Praetorian Guard. While the rest of the city was preoccupied with the Capitoline Games, members of the Guard entered the imperial palace and dragged the two Emperors into the street, where Pupienus and Balbinus were killed. These two men had ruled three months.

Preceded by: Gordian I and Gordian II (238)

Roman emperors

Followed by: Gordian III (238 - 244)