Julian and Jovian
| Julian, also known as Julian the Apostate, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from the year 361 until 363. The next in line to become emperor following him was Jovian. Julian was a member of the Constantinian dynasty. He was the very last emperor in Rome to follow Pagan religions. Julian was a student of philosophy, and he was so skilled at the subject that he was given the title "the Philosopher." A number of Christian sources have named him Julian the Apostate, and the reason for this is because he rejected Christianity. Julian was the half brother of Constantine I. Once Constantine died in the year 337, the empire was in a state of turmoil. |  |
In an attempt to become the single ruler of the empire, Constantius II began a purge in which he attempted to kill off all the male members of his family. He was largely successful, and only a few males in the family survived the purge. Julian was spared, and he was raised by his grandmother. By the age of 7 he was being taught by Eusebius, a Christian Bishop. In the year 342, both Julian and Gallus were sent into exile at Cappadocia. He would remain in exile until the age of 18. Once he was removed from exile, he travelled to Constantinople for a short period of time. He would also travel to Asia Minor to study the subject of Neo-Platonism. He travelled to Athens, and he met a number of Christians there.
Julian would eventually become emperor, but he died in the year 364 during a military campaign against the Sassanid Empire. Jovian was a son of one of Constantius II's bodyguards. Jovian would act as a bodyguard for Julian as he travelled in campaigns against the Sassanid king. During one battle, the Roman army was forced into a retreat due to the superior numbers of the Sassanid army. Julian had been fatally wounded during this battle, and Jovian took the opportunity to become emperor. Once he became emperor, Jovian led the continued retreat away from the Sassanids. However, Shapur II continued to follow him, and Jovian was forced to sign a peace treaty on terms that he found to be disgraceful.
The agreement required him to give up the five provinces that were under the control of the Romans. In addition to this, the Romans had to give up Armenia as well. Because of Jovian's agreement to this treaty, his popularity among the Romans was low. After the treaty had been signed, Jovian travelled to Constantinople to solidify his power as emperor.
Original Authors: Stephen Palmer
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 14/07/2008
