DIADUMENIAN (217-218)

"The Unwanted Successor" Diadumenian (born September 14, 208 CE, died June 218 CE) was the son of the Roman Emperor Macrinus. At just nine years old, he was proclaimed Caesar by the army in Zeugma in May 217 CE. The Senate approved this decision and granted him the titles of Patrician and Leader of the Youth (Princeps Iuventutis). His father added the name Antoninus to his own, referencing the great emperors of the Antonine dynasty and the murdered Antoninus Caracalla, who had been favored by the military. In May 218 CE, Macrinus elevated Diadumenian to co-emperor, bestowing upon him the title of Augustus.

Following Macrinus' defeat at Antioch in a battle against the supporters of Elagabalus in June 218 CE, Diadumenian met his death.