Definition:

Clodius Pupienus Maximus - Pupienus - was declared emperor by the Roman Senate along with D. Caelius Calvinus Balbinus, following the deaths of Gordian I and II on April 12, in order to block Maximinus Thrax. Pupienus and Balbinus were made emperor on April 22, 238. On July 29, Pupienus and Balbinus were assassinated, and Gordian III, whom Pupienus and Balbinus had named Caesar, was made sole emperor (Augustus).


Pupienus had been consul in 207 and 234. He had also been prefect of Rome in 234. Pupienus had been about to lead troops against Maximinus when Maximinus' own troops assassinated him and sent the head to Rome, allowing Pupienus to celebrate a triumph without a battle.

Pupienus and Balbinus did not trust each other and were arguing when the praetorian guard entered and assassinated them both.

Source: DIR Pupienus and Balbinus