First Roman Campaign
Shapur I opened a major campaign against Rome in Mesopotamia as the Sasanian monarchy pressed its claims along the eastern Roman frontier.
Historical events in 242
19 historical records
Appointment of Valerius Falto
The Senate assigned the praetor Quintus Valerius Falto to serve as Catulus's second-in-command for the renewed Roman naval campaign.
Consul
Appointed Consul
Election as Novus Homo
In 242 BC, Gaius Lutatius Catulus entered the consulship as a novus homo, reaching Rome's highest annual magistracy without belonging to an established consular family.
Private Financing of Fleet
The fleet used in Catulus's campaign was financed largely through contributions from wealthy Roman citizens because the prolonged war had exhausted the public treasury.
Judicial Duties in Alexandria
Priscus exercised judicial responsibilities in Alexandria, reflecting the unusually wide administrative authority entrusted to him in the eastern provinces.
Organization of Persian Expedition
Timesitheus assembled and financed a large expeditionary army for the war against Shapur I, drawing experienced troops from the Rhine and Danube frontiers.
Entry into the Praetorian Guard
Around 242, Gaius Julius Priscus became a member of the Praetorian Guard during the reign of Gordian III and entered the emperor's senior military circle.
Praetorian Prefecture
Priscus rose to the praetorian prefecture during Gordian III's reign, placing him among the most powerful equestrian officials in the Roman state.
Procurator of Macedonia
Priscus held the procuratorship of Macedonia, adding provincial financial administration to the sequence of senior offices associated with his career.
Declaration of War from the Temple of Janus
Before the eastern campaign departed, Timesitheus helped oversee a formal declaration of war using traditional Roman ceremonies associated with the Temple of Janus.
Capture of Marsala
Captures Marsala
Command of New Roman Fleet
Catulus took charge of a newly constructed Roman fleet intended to restore maritime superiority after years of costly naval warfare.
Command of Roman Legions
Catulus assumed command of the Roman legions assigned to the Sicilian theater and coordinated their operations with the fleet.
Departure for Sicily
Catulus sailed for Sicily with Roman troops and a newly raised fleet to intensify pressure on the remaining Carthaginian positions on the island.
Sicilian Command
Because his consular colleague was prevented from leaving Rome, Catulus received primary responsibility for directing Roman operations against Carthage in Sicily.
Siege of Trapani
Blockades the port of Trapani
Defeat of Carpi in Thrace
While moving the imperial army toward the East, Timesitheus defeated raiders in Thrace and secured the Balkan route for the continuing Persian expedition.
Service in the Persian Expedition
Priscus accompanied the imperial forces involved in Gordian III's eastern expedition against the Sasanian Empire and gained influence during the campaign.