Flavius Philippus

Flavius Philippus (fl. 340s-350s) was a Roman Empire official under Emperor Constantius II.

Biography


Son of a sausage-maker, Philippus rose in social levels becoming a notarius. In 346, he became Praetorian Prefect of the East under Emperor Constantius, allegedly because of the influence of the court eunuchs. Philippus then obtained the consulate in 348.



In 351, when Constantius was facing the rebellion of the usurper Magnentius, Philippus was sent to the rebel camp, formally to negotiate a peace, but actually to discover the military readiness of the enemy. Philippus then addressed the rebel army, accusing them of ingratitude towards the Constantinian dynasty, and proposing that Magnentius leave Italy and keep only Gaul. When Magnentius tried to conquer the town of Siscia, Philippus was held hostage by the usurper.

It is unknown whom he married, but his grandson also became Praetorian Prefect of the East Flavius Anthemius.