Antoninianus (Coin) Portraying Emperor Balbinus

Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus was a Roman senator and politician who lived during the 3rd century AD. He was born in 178 AD and his family were of senatorial rank. Balbinus served as consul in 203 AD, during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. In 238 AD, following the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander, Balbinus was appointed co-emperor with Pupienus. This was a time of great political instability in the Roman Empire, and the two emperors were chosen to restore order. Their reign was short-lived, however, as they were both assassinated by the Praetorian Guard after only a few months in power. Balbinus is often remembered as one of the "Thirty Tyrants", a group of usurpers who briefly ruled various parts of the Roman Empire during this chaotic period. Despite his short reign, Balbinus is known for his efforts to restore stability and his commitment to upholding the traditional values of the Roman state.