Dorozhand
Banned
IOTL, Capelianus was the governor of Numidia during the Year of Six Emperors and, due to a grudge against the elder Gordian, marched into Africa to oppose them who had not a month previous been acclaimed co-emperors in opposition to Maximinus Thrax. His force, being the only legionary force in the region, easily crushed the Gordians and killed both. The Senate, who had supported the Gordians over Maximinus, knowing they could expect little mercy from him should he enter the city, were thrown into a panic and hastily elected two of their number as the new Co-Emperors. These too, being unpopular patricians, were overthrown months after coming to power.
What if, however, Capelianus had, after crushing the Gordians, made a bid for the imperial position himself, ferried his army to Sicily and marched on Rome from the south? Could we expect perhaps a massive one-on-one showdown between him and Maximinus in Italy if Maximinus' assassination is perhaps butterflied? Or maybe Maximinus is still assassinated, his armies turn to acclaim Capelianus, and he marches into Rome as its unopposed Emperor? What would the effects of either or any other possibilities be?
What if, however, Capelianus had, after crushing the Gordians, made a bid for the imperial position himself, ferried his army to Sicily and marched on Rome from the south? Could we expect perhaps a massive one-on-one showdown between him and Maximinus in Italy if Maximinus' assassination is perhaps butterflied? Or maybe Maximinus is still assassinated, his armies turn to acclaim Capelianus, and he marches into Rome as its unopposed Emperor? What would the effects of either or any other possibilities be?