Roman Emperor Balbinus (238 AD)

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Born Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus around 178 AD. On 22 April 238, Balbinus became emperor along with his co-ruler, Pupienus, foll owing the deaths of the Gordiani in North Africa at the hands of Maximinus. Military administration fell to Pupienus and civic duties were handled by Balbinus. While Pupienus advanced to meet Maximinus, Balbinus stayed to put down revolts by the Praetorian Guard. Aft er the troops of Maximinus turned on their leader, killed him, and offered their support to Balbinus and Pupienus, the latter returned to Rome. The two often quarreled and were in middle of one of these arguments when the Guard stormed the palace and hauled them both i nto the streets where they were murdered on 29 July 238 AD after a reign of 98 days.