However , following the abortive revolt that began there in 238 AD .
Gordian I 's suicide in his villa near Carthage , Roman troops loyal to the Emperor Maximinus Thrax destroyed the city of Thysdrus that had reached a population of nearly 50,000 inhabitants .
However , following the abortive revolt that began there in 238 AD , and Gordian I 's suicide in his villa near Carthage , Roman troops loyal to the Emperor Maximinus Thrax destroyed the city of Thysdrus that had reached a population of nearly 50,000 inhabitants .