PAX FVNDATA CVM PERSIS, Pax holding out olive branch in right hand and with transverse scepter cradled in left.
"Peace founded with Persia"
IMP C M IVL PHILIPPVS PF AVG PM
Antoninianus.
Philip I, 244-249.
This piece struck 244-246 at Antioch.
Philip was the praetorian prefect whle the previous emperor, Gordian III, was on campaign against the Persians (Sasanians, under Shapur I). When Gordian III died on campaign (perhaps because of coup by Philip), Philip became emperor and had to consolidate his power, which necessitated leaving Mesopotamia to return to the main part of the empire. To do so, he negotiated a settlement with the Sasanians the cost Rome a lot of money but left them in charge of quite a bit of eastern territory (as can be seen from provincial coins of Mesopotamia). This settlement was advertised as a victory and the desirable founding of peace.
RIC 69 (Philip's first issue)
Return to the main page.