Ala Celerum Philippiana

Abstract

In A. D. 244, after Gordian III had died in battle, his successor, Philip, brought the
Persian war to a speedy end. Before returning to Rome from the East, Philip took time out to visit his birthplace, Shahba, in northern Arabia. He rebuilt the town magnificently and renamed it Philippopolis. There an inscription has come to light, dedicated by a most unusual cavalry regiment: