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Marcus Julius Philippus, also known as Philip the Arab, was Roman Emperor from 244 to 249 AD. Born in Arabia Petraea, he rose to prominence after Gordian III's death, quickly negotiating peace with the Sassanid Empire. He achieved power and became a major figure in the Roman Empire. Philip had a reputation among early Christian writers for being sympathetic to Christianity. Some claimed that he had converted to the faith, which would have made him the first Christian emperor. According to legend, he attempted to celebrate Easter with Christians in Antioch, but was rebuffed by Bishop Babylas, who forced him to stand with penitents. Philip and his wife received letters from Origen, a prominent Christian scholar. His reign was marked by significant events, including the celebration of Rome's millennium. Philip ultimately fell victim to a rebellion led by Decius, who overthrew and killed him.