Balbinus

Balbinus, Decima Caelius Calvin - the Roman emperor in June-July, 238 g. Genus. app. 178 g. + 238 g.
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Balbinus belonged to a very rich and famous old. Before becoming emperor, he had twice been consul and ruled many provinces, including Asia, Africa, Bithynia, Galatia, Pontus, Thrace and Gaul. Several times he had to command troops, but in matters of war he differed less than civil, but her kindness, full of perfection and honesty, he enjoyed a great love. Growth was high and had a prominent appearance. He is also famous for his eloquence and a good poet. With all the merits Balbinus be excessively prone to pleasure: he was greedy for wine, food and comfort of Venus, he loved fine clothes. However, he was not lacking in qualities that make it desirable in the eyes of the people. He was polite and Senate. In 238, when the Senate killed surrogates emperors Gordian I and Gordian II, the Senate elected Balbinus emperor, together with another senator - Maxim. At the request of the people he was given in the co-rulers, and even a young Gordian III.

Maxim was charged with war deposed maximin and Balbinus had to stay in the capital and to the internal affairs. But everything turned out the opposite: a foreign war, which feared the most, ended suddenly, without bloodshed, while Balbinus had a high risk for life to quell violent unrest in Rome itself. The fact is that after the Maxima to the war, in Rome, remained part of the Praetorian cohorts. Shortly between the Praetorians and the people having such dissension that it came to internal war. Much of Rome was burned, churches desecrated, all the streets covered with blood, because Balbinus, a very soft, he could not stop the strife. He went to the people, holding hands with everyone individually, and it was nearly hit by stones, and some even say that he was hit with a stick. He failed to stop the riots, if he had not brought to the people dressed in purple minor Gordian, set him on the neck of a very tall man.

Soon, Max returned to Rome, and emperors ruled for some time together. According Capitolina, they are very reasonably led the case, published just laws, patiently listened to the litigation and have the order of a military unit. But they could not get rid of the hatred that fueled them soldiers. During the Capitoline contests warriors suddenly attacked the Palatine palace, killed the two emperors, and all power transferred Gordian (Capitol: 'Maxim and Balbinus', 7,9,14).