Philippus (consul 348)

Son of a sausage-maker, Philippus rose in social standing, becoming a notarius.

[1] In 346, he became Praetorian Prefect of the East[2] under Emperor Constantius, allegedly because of the influence of the court eunuchs.

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.

[4] Philippus then addressed the rebel army, accusing them of ingratitude towards the Constantinian dynasty, and proposing that Magnentius leave Italy and keep only Gaul.

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