Eastern Mediterranean 249: Downfall of Philip the Arab

In late 248 and early 249 almost simultaneous revolts broke out against Philip the Arab in Moesia and Syria. To restore order in Moesia, Philip gave his advisor Decius command of the Danube legions, only for the legions to proclaim Decius as Emperor instead. Philip marched north against the usurper, but was defeated and killed by Decius at Verona.

About this map

Download map
(download without labels)

Main Events

Dec 248–Apr 249 Pacatian ▲

In late 248 Marinus Pacatianus (Pacatian), an officer of the Danube legions, led a revolt in Moesia and Pannonia. Proclaiming himself Emperor, Pacatian nonetheless soon lost the support of his followers. In April 249 they murdered him and resumed their allegiance to the Roman emperor Philip. in wikipedia

249 Jotapian ▲

During Philip the Arab’s reign, Syria was restive due to both high taxation and Philip’s favoritism towards Arabia Petraea. In early 249 Marcus Iotapianus (Jotapian), an aristocrat claiming descent from either Alexander Severus or the royal house of Commagene, proclaimed himself Emperor, launching a revolt in Syria and Cappadocia. More concerned with the Danube revolts, Philip largely ignored Jotapian, who, in any case, failed to win military support and was eventually killed by his own men. in wikipedia

May 249 Revolt of Decius ▲

Following the revolt of Pacatian on the Danube, Roman emperor Philip the Arab ordered his advisor, senator Gaius Messius Quintus Decius, to travel to the region and restore order, granting him command over the legions of Moesia and Pannonia. On arrival Decius began punishing the former rebels, but was soon himself compromised when the troops proclaimed him Emperor. Hearing of this, Philip rejected Decius’ protests of innocence and prepared for war. in wikipedia

Sep 249 Battle of Verona ▲

In summer 249 Roman emperor Philip the Arab marched north to face the usurper Decius. The two armies met at Verona and, although Philip had the larger force, he was defeated and killed. Decius continued south to Rome, where he was recognized as Emperor by the Senate. Philip II, Philip’s 12-year-old son and co-emperor, was apparently murdered in Rome shortly before Decius’ arrival. in wikipedia