Italy: Pupienus (165/170-238), joint 30th Roman emperor, from the book Romanorvm imperatorvm effigies: elogijs ex diuersis scriptoribus per Thomam Treteru S. Mariae Transtyberim canonicum collectis, 1583

Pupienus (165/170-238), also known as Pupienus Maximus, was a senator in the Roman Senate who had risen to power and influence through military success under the rule of the Severan dynasty. He served two terms as Consul, and became an important member of the Senate.

When Gordian I and his son were proclaimed Emperors in 238, the Senate immediately recognised them in defiance of Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Pupienus, an elderly man by then, was put on a committee to coordinate efforts to thwart Maximinus until the Gordians could arrive in Rome. The Gordians died less than a month after their declaration however, and the Senate became divided in how to act, ultimately voting for Pupienus and Balbinus, another elderly senator, to be installed as co-emperors.

Some senators, and the people of Rome, had wanted Gordian III, grandson of Gordian I, to be declared emperor however, and civil unrest gripped the capital. It was not helped that Pupienus and Balbinus argued and quarrelled often, Balbinus constantly worrying that Pupienus was planning to supplant him. Only a few months into their rule, they were dragged naked through the streets by the Praetorian Guard, publicly humiliated, tortured and then executed.

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