Gnaeus Domitius Philip

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Gnaeus Domitius Philippus (* in the 2nd century in Rome ; † between 242 and 262 in Alexandria or Rome) was a Roman governor and Praefectus Aegypti , i.e. prefect of Egypt .

Life and legend

Gnaeus Domitius Philippus was a Roman citizen under the knighthood . He was appointed imperial administrator in Egypt by Emperor Commodus and came to Egypt around 185. From 240 to 242 he held the office of Praefectus Alexandreae et Aegypti , based in Alexandria, which was the most important governor of the Roman Empire . Thus, although he was a knight, he was on the same level as the senatorial governors of the other provinces.

According to early Christian legend, Philip is said to have been the father of Eugenia of Rome, who was venerated as a holy martyr . When his daughter, who had converted to Christianity, was brought to justice because of her faith, he is said to have converted himself to Christianity too. Because of this he was deposed as prefect. Subsequently he is said to have been elected bishop by the Christians of Alexandria . His successor in the office of prefect is said to have had him murdered by assassins. According to another interpretation of tradition, Philip returned to Rome, where he and his family were martyred because of his faith in the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian or Emperor Gallienus .

Only the fact that between 240 and 242 a Roman official of this name as imperial prefect administered the province of Egypt seems to be certain in this vita. The rest cannot be grasped with certainty and must be attributed to the legends.

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literature

predecessor Office successor
Lucius Lucrecius Annianus Prefect of the Roman Province of Egypt
240–242 		Aurelius Basileus
personal data
SURNAME Domitius Philip, Gnaeus
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Philip
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Roman prefect of Egypt (240–242)
DATE OF BIRTH 2nd century
PLACE OF BIRTH Rome
DATE OF DEATH 3rd century
Place of death Alexandria or Rome