Philip I, the Arab (244 - 249CE)

Philip I, the Arab (11 February 244 - September 249CE). Marcus Julius Philippus became Praetorian Prefect following the death of Timesitheus under unclear circumstances, and became Augustus upon Gordian III's death, also under unclear circumstances. In 248 in celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Rome, he struck a series of coins alluding to the magnificent games with many wild beasts. He offered to resign after a number of pretenders sprouted throughout the empire, but retained the purple when the Senate supported him. He was eventually defeated in battle by his successor, Trajan Decius, in September 249, and was killed together with his son.