Philip the Arab

Born around 204 in what is now Syria, Philip rose through the military to become Praetorian prefect under Gordian III during a campaign against Persia. When Gordian died after the Battle of Misiche in 244 under circumstances no one quite agreed on, Philip was proclaimed emperor, cut a quick peace deal with the Sasanians, and returned to Rome for Senate confirmation. He beat back a Carpi incursion across the Danube in 246, then threw Rome a massive millennial birthday party in 248 with games and festivals to mark a thousand years since the city's founding. A wave of rebellions and barbarian att…