Syria Exporting Emperors

During the Roman Age, the people of Syria shared actively in the cultural and historical developments of the period. They offered a lot of expertise in the fields of art, culture, society, economy, and military warfare. Syrians even occupied the place of the empire’s leadership, as can be seen in the reign of Philip the Arab, a member of a distinguished equestrian family of Arab descent. He was born in Shahba, in Governorate of Sweida, south of Damascus, which was known as Philipopolis in Roman time. A town that he would invest no little time and money into expanding and improving, renamed Philippopolis in his honor.

A town well worth visiting, an amazing example of many roman cities in Sweida governorate, as it is a miniature of Rome including  an Imperial Palace, as well as preserved Roman theatre that can accommodate 2000 people, the imperial family funerary temple called Philipopolis, in addition to large roman baths.

When visiting this incredible place, you should for sure stop at museum, which was a villa of a remarkable general in Philip the Arab army. It contains some of the finest and largest classic mosaics in the world that have being preserved for centuries in their original location. Some are part of the floor of the principle hall in this large villa. 

Philip the Arab joined the Eastern legion of the Roman army and became recognized for his leadership and skill. He continued to rise up in the military ranks and, when the Roman military revolted against the Roman Empire, during the reign of Emperor Gordian III, Philip assumed the title and responsibilities of Emperor and ruled from 242 till 249 AD.

Emperor Philip the Arab offered important contributions in challenging the state of Rome’s leadership at the time. He sought to improve the status of the army and also to strengthen the authority of the senate. New coins were minted in his name during the years of his rule. This item presented here is an example of such a coin. On the face is a realistic profile image of Emperor Philip the Arab, who appears bearded, frowning, and a wreath of laurels around the back of his head. His name in the Latin script is found around the face. On the back there is an image of an eagle opening its wings and carrying a branch in its beak.

Report:  Lama Alhassanieh