Philippus Arabs

"Kontinuität und Wandel des Senatorenstandes im Zeitalter der Soldatenkaiser" observes the composition, function and general importance of the ordo senatorius during 235-284 C.E. when the Roman Empire was affected by a series of radical changes. The study is grounded on a prosopographical analysis, presenting a reconstruction of senatorial cursus honorum based on the currently known source material. Although the most important functions within the Roman army were gradually filled by members of the ordo equester instead of viri clarissimi and the senatorial order thereby suffered a loss of importance during the 3rd century, it remained of utmost significance for the stability of the Imperium Romanum in times of crisis.

The numerous publications which have been devoted to Philippopolis generally focus on studying single works of art and monuments, rather than on clearing up the urbanistic and historical problems which still undermine our comprehension of the city. The present paper precisely aims at tackling these general problems. It gathers the conclusions of two recent studies : a survey, mapmaking and restitution work, carried out in 1993-1994
by N. Darrous; an archaeological and historical synthesis combined with field researches, made by J. Rohmer in 2001-2002. The results allow a better understanding of the general design of the Roman city and provide new answers to some historical problems related to the site, such as the transition from the village to the city, Philippus Arabs' origins and the degree of development reached by Philippopolis after its foundation.

L'article présente une inscription romaine très endommagée, provenant d'un camp auxiliaire de la Dacie d'est, qui avait été publiée d'une manière déficitaire. La nouvelle restitution du texte montre qu'il s'agit d'un monument honorifique pour Philippe l'Arabe, datant de 247 apr. J.-Chr. La pierre avait été réutilisée dans une reconstruction, quelque temps après le milieu du IIIe siècle.