Sasanian campaign of Gordian III
| Roman-Sasanian Wars of 242–244 AD | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Roman-Sasanian wars | |||||||||
Relief at Bishapur celebrating the victory of Shapur I over the Romans at Misiche: Gordian III is trampled by the Sassanid king's horse, while Philip the Arab is held tight by Shapur. | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Roman Empire | Sassanid Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Emperor Gordian III Timesitheus | Shapur I | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
| see section for details | |||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 150–170,000 armed men (13 full legions, 14 vexillationes and some auxilia) along the entire eastern limes (half or 1/3 of which took part in the invasion) |
Uncertain, large army Probably 150,000 armed men (see section for details) | ||||||||
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The Sasanian Campaign of Gordian III was an episode of the Roman–Sassanid Wars. The war between the Roman Empire, ruled by the Roman Emperor Gordian III (r. 238–244), during the period of military anarchy, and the rule of the Sasanians, led by Shapur I (r. 241–272), who succeeded his father Ardashir I (r. 224–241), was fought in a period between 242 and 244 and ended with a Sasanian victory and the death of Gordian III.