Definition: Philip the Arab, the son of a Roman citizen, Julius Marinus, was born in the Roman province of Arabia, probably during the reign of Septimius Severus. Philip's brother
Julius Priscus, was appointed praetorian prefect by Gordian III. When the other praetorian prefect died in 243, Philip was appointed to replace him. Some claim that Philip arranged a mutiny that led to the assassination of Gordian III in 244, after which Philip was appointed emperor. Philip appointed his son Marcus Julius Severus Philippus his heir and Caesar, making him co-ruler and Augustus in 247. Philip sent a new commander named Decius to handle discipline among the Roman troops along the Danube, which was the homeland of Decius. The troops named Decius emperor and revolted against Philip in 249. The troops under Decius and those under Philip met in Verona and Philip died, either in battle or by assassination.
Source: Philip the Arab DIR
