Philip the Arab in Roman Biography

Philippus, (M. Julius,) a Roman emperor, was a native of Trachonitis. He obtained the imperial power by the murder of Gordlan, in 244 A.D. The senate confirmed the choice of the army. He made peace with Persia in 244. In 248 or 247 A.D. he celebrated the thousandth anniversary of the origin of Rome. He was killed at Verona in 249 A.D., in a battle against Decius, who had usurped the title of emperor. According to Eusebius and other writers, Philippus was a Christian. His son, M. Julius Philippus, who had been associated with him in the empire, (247 A.D.,) was killed by the partisans of Decius, in 249 a.d.