WI: Capelianus makes a bid for Emperor

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?
 
There'd be an obscure (and probably short-lived) 3C Emperor named Capelianus, who like all the other such would be long forgotten save by a few Roman history buffs.
 

Dorozhand

Banned
There'd be an obscure (and probably short-lived) 3C Emperor named Capelianus, who like all the other such would be long forgotten save by a few Roman history buffs.

Perhaps a strong martial claimant like Capelianus could have restored order to the Principate and the glory of the five good emperors?
 
Perhaps a strong martial claimant like Capelianus could have restored order to the Principate and the glory of the five good emperors?

I thought most of the Emperors between Severus Alexander and Diocletian were soldiers. Is there any particular reason for this Capelianus to do any better than the others?
 
If Maximinus Thrax isn't assassinated, an army of Senators has a better chance of beating him than Capelianus. It's not like the army in Africa was large or experienced. The Danube or Rhine legions would annihilate them easily. His only chance is Maximinus being assassinated and the army proclaiming him emperor.

Now, how long he lasts...it's only a matter of time. The worst of the Crisis hasn't even hit yet-the implosion in the Balkans with the Goths, Shapur's push from the east, the collapse of the Rhine frontier...all are in the future and make Capelianus surviving more than a few years unlikely at best.
 
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