Image Gallery
Philip the Arab (Artistic Facial Reconstruction)
Philip the Arab (r. 244-249 CE) rose through the ranks of the Praetorian Guard and became the advisor of Gordian III (r. 238-244 CE), whom he later usurped. As emperor, he was unable to maintain peace or control over the provinces. Conflicts with the Goths and other migrating Germanic tribes preoccupied much of his short reign, although he also contributed to public works and some fiscal reforms. The Roman Senate and the army soon threw their support behind a rival, Decius (r. 249-251 CE), who defeated and killed Philip at the Battle of Verona in 249 CE.
Pictured alongside the reconstruction is the bust of Philip the Arab from the Vatican Museums.
