The life of Philip II
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Birth name:
Other names: Born: Died: Cause of death: Reign: Co-emperor Dynasty: Predecessor: Successor: |
Marcus Julius Severus Philippus
Imperator Caesar Marcus Julius Severus Philippus Augustus 238 249, Rome (aged 12) Assassinated 247-249 (2 years) Philip the Arab None Philip the Arab Decius & Herennius Etruscus |
Early Life & Reign
Marcus Julius Severus Philippus was born in 238, the son of the Praetorian Prefect and later Roman Emperor Philip the Arab. He had a brother and sister, Quintus Philippus Severus and Julia Severa. Philip II was still very young when his father became Emperor of Rome after the death of his predecessor Gordian III. In the power vacuum that followed, Philip the Arab swept to power and immediately made peace with the Sassanid Empire, with whom Rome was at war. Upon his father's accession he was appointed as caesar.
In 247, at around the age of 9, Philipp II was appointed as his father's co-ruler and heir. The same year he also held his first and only consulship. The Roman Empire was currently facing what would later be known as the Crisis of the Third Century. All borders were threatened by barbarian incursions and civil war loomed on the horizon. Philip's father dispatched a man named Decius to the north of Italy to put a stop to the barbarian invasions there, but during his campaign he was declared emperor by his own troops. Decius accepted the position and begun a revolt.
In 247, at around the age of 9, Philipp II was appointed as his father's co-ruler and heir. The same year he also held his first and only consulship. The Roman Empire was currently facing what would later be known as the Crisis of the Third Century. All borders were threatened by barbarian incursions and civil war loomed on the horizon. Philip's father dispatched a man named Decius to the north of Italy to put a stop to the barbarian invasions there, but during his campaign he was declared emperor by his own troops. Decius accepted the position and begun a revolt.
Death & Legacy
While Philip remained in Rome, his father rode out with his army to put a stop to the rebellion of Decius. The two forces clashed at Verona in the summer of 249, with Decius scoring a decisive victory. Philip's father was killed in the battle and when word reached Rome that Decius was now marching on the city, the Praetorian Guard killed Philip while he was still in his mother's arms.