Philip the Arab

Well, I'm back! Long time no see! Unfortunately, school is keeping me incredibly busy. I just finished my senior thesis actually. Ugh. Shoot me now. All my motivation is gone. GONE, I say!

Not surprisingly, since my life has been revolving around school so much, the subject of today's comic is no other than Philip the Arab. Considered the first "Christian" emperor, Philip the Arab ruled from AD 244-249. His faith is the subject of a great deal of debate, and what I've illustrated in the comic is just a few authors' images of him. These authors are all Later Roman Historians, either ecclesiastical or secular. The secular games were religious celebrations revived by Augustus, and the argument here is that if Philip supported the secular games, he wasn't a Christian. Orosius claims Philip was a Christian, while our dear friend, Zosimus, hotly denies this point. And then there's Aurelius Victor...The story behind that one was really strange. Apparently, at the secular games Philip saw a male prostitute that looked like his son, ergo deciding to suddenly ban male prostitution.

I (as well as many people in the class at this point) cocked my head like a confused puppy upon hearing this. I think a small dog noise was also made, but that's besides the point.

Until next time!

--Laura

PS - Yes yes, I know the image is tilted. Apologies!