The Reign Of Philip, The Arab & The Celebration Of The Millennium Of The Founding Of Rome

The Ascent To The Throne Of Philip

The reign of Gordian III (238-244 AD) was marked by a permanent military crisis caused by the threat of the Goths on the Danube and, above all, of the Persians in the East, under the leadership of Ardashir captured several border towns. Gordian environment was consolidated as Timesitheus regime's strongman, who as praetorian prefect was virtually in charge of the political and military leadership, even to marry his teenage daughter to the sovereign. In late 242, Gordian came to Antioch with a large army and in the spring of 243 began offensive operations, which were crowned by significant initial successes, reaching the Roman troops to the Persian capital of Ctesiphon itself.

Such was the momentum of the attack that even Timesitheus illness and death in the second half of 243 could not stop. Philip replaced him as praetorian prefect and the Roman army went into Assyria and went to the left bank of the Euphrates not far from Ctesiphon. In mid-February of 244, Roman forces suffered a serious defeat. Gordian III died in the battle himself or was killed by his own men soon after.

Coins money was always an important part if the history, in fact, it was the only currency in those times so they always has to use it as the main currency means. Now it is not in practice, but people love to collect it as a hobby and Indian head cents and the Roman coins.

Philip was quickly chosen as successor, thereby, originating from ancient authors to suspect a possible intervention to Gordian III. The new sovereign immediately proceeded to negotiate peace with Shapur. Deep within enemy territory in a desperate logistical situation and in front of an army demoralized and defeated, Philip agreed to pay a huge sum in form of gold coins to ensure the withdrawal, the equivalent of 500 thousand dinars of gold and the recognition that belonged to Armenia Persian sphere of influence. It was not, however, unconditional surrender, the re-conquered territories in Mesopotamia were retained, and the dinar coin money was given as payment of ransom and tribute for establishing a newspaper.