ARABIA. Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus, died before 244. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 14.69 g, 12 h), circa 247-249. [ΘЄΩ MAPINΩ] Bare-headed and draped bust of Divus Julius Marinus set to right on eagle standing right, head to left, with wings spread. Rev. [ΦIΛI]ΠΠOΠOΛITΩN KO[ΛΩNIAC] / S - C Roma seated left, holding two small figures of Philip’s parents on an eagle in her right hand and spear in her left; at her side, shield. RPC VIII online ID 2449. SNG ANS -. Spijkerman 1. Sofaer 1. Very rare. Slightly rough, otherwise, fine.
Upon ascending the throne, Philip I deified his late father, Julius Marinus, and elevated their native Arabian village - whose ancient name remains unknown - to the status of a colonia. Renamed Philippopolis in honor of the emperor, the new colony saw the launch of extensive building projects, including a forum, a stadium, a theatre, a city wall, and a temple known as the Philippeion, dedicated to the deified Marinus. Notably, the road from Bostra to Damascus was even rerouted to pass through the city, boosting its strategic and economic importance. However, after Philip's death in 249, construction came to an abrupt halt, and the settlement quickly faded from imperial interest, leaving many of its grand monuments unfinished.