Maecia Faustina

Maecia Faustina is the name given by the unreliable ancient text Augustan History for the daughter of Roman emperor Gordian I, sister of Gordian II, and mother of Gordian III. However, some modern historians dismiss this name as false and have instead called her Antonia Gordiana. She was a prominent and wealthy woman who lived in the troubled and unstable 3rd century and through her son had a massive influence on Roman politics.

Biography She was most probably born in Rome. Along with her elder brother, she was raised and spent her childhood in the house that Roman Republican general Pompey had built in Rome. Previous owners included Roman triumvir Mark Antony and Roman emperor Tiberius.

After 214, Maecia married a Roman senator whose name is unknown. The Augustan History names her husband as Junius Balbus, however modern historians dismiss this name as being incorrect.

She bore her husband a son on 20 January 225, the future emperor Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius, or Gordian III. The birth name and birthplace of Gordian III are unknown, the name of Gordian was assumed by Maecia's son when he became emperor. Maecia's husband died before 238.

After the brief reigns of her father and brother, the Roman Senate in April appointed two senators, Balbinus and Pupienus, as joint emperors. During their brief reign, Maecia's son became popular with Roman citizens and the joint emperors were forced to adopt the child as their heir. On 29 July 238, Balbinus and Pupienus were both murdered by the Praetorian Guard; later that day her son became the new emperor. There is a possibility that Maecia might have bribed the Guards to murder the joint emperors, so that her son could become emperor.

To maintain the goodwill of the Senate, Gordian III assumed the name of his maternal grandfather and uncle. The political factions that supported Maecia's father and brother also supported her son. Through them, she was able to assist her son in directing affairs and together they sought to reform policies covering administration, fiscal affairs, and the Roman army. Efforts were made to limit the taxes on wealthy and notable Romans. Attention was directed to strengthening defences along the empire's borders and Roman governors were prosecuted if they abused Roman taxes and their powers in governing the provinces.

In 241, her son appointed the able and efficient Timesitheus as prefect of the Praetorian Guard. Later, in May of that year, Gordian married Timesitheus’ daughter Tranquillina, who became Roman empress. Timesitheus died in 243, and Gordian appointed the ambitious Philip the Arab as the new prefect. In February 244, Gordian died of unknown causes. Gordian either died in battle or was possibly murdered on the orders of Philip. Philip was then proclaimed the new emperor. Gordian III's wife and daughter survived him. The fate of Maecia after her son's death is unknown.

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