Julian the Apostate Flashcards
When did Constantine the Great die, and where was he interred?
Constantine the Great died on May 22, 337 CE, and was interred in his mausoleum in Constantinople.
What does ‘Apostate’ mean in the context of Julian the Apostate?
Apostate means ‘renounced,’ referring to Julian renouncing Christianity.
How was the Roman Empire divided after Constantine’s death in 337 CE?
The empire was divided into three parts among Constantine’s sons: Constantine II (western part), Constans (central part), and Constantius II (eastern part).
Who were the two surviving male descendants of Constantius Chlorus and Theodora after the purge of 337 CE?
The two survivors were Gallus and Julian (later Julian the Apostate).
What notable action did Constans take against his brother Constantine II in 340 CE?
Constans ambushed and killed Constantine II outside Aquileia in northeastern Italy.
What was the ‘Felicitis Temporis Reparatio,’ and why was it significant?
It was a coin issued in 346, meaning ‘Restitution of the happiness of our times,’ reflecting attempts to address unrest and disunity within the empire.
How did Julian view his time at Macellum (342-348 CE)?
Julian described it as a form of imprisonment, stating, ‘We were watched as though we were prisoners of the Persians.
How did Julian begin practicing paganism publicly?
Julian openly practiced paganism after becoming sole emperor in 361 CE, restoring temples and lifting bans on sacrifices.
What reforms did Julian implement as emperor to reduce luxury and improve governance?
Julian reduced court luxury, restored military discipline, was active in the Senate, and returned authority to cities, stating, ‘Our aim is not to accumulate as much as we can from our subjects, but to provide for them the most benefits.’
What notable conflict occurred during Julian’s time in Antioch in 362 CE?
There was conflict with Christians, including issues over the remains of Babylas and a fire in the Temple of Apollo.
What happened to Gallus, Julian’s brother, after being made Caesar in 351 CE?
Gallus was executed in 354 CE after being accused of overstepping his authority and attempting to seize imperial powers.
When was Julian made Caesar, and what city did he focus on after receiving the title?
Julian was made Caesar on November 6, 355, and he focused on Gaul, addressing the aftermath of Frankish invasions and the conquest of Cologne.
What victory did Julian achieve in 357 CE, and why was it significant?
Julian defeated the Germanic tribes at the Battle of Strasbourg, recapturing 40 cities and solidifying his popularity with the army.
How did Julian describe his appointment to Gaul by Constantius II?
Julian criticized Constantius for limiting his authority, stating he was sent ‘not as commander of the garrisons but rather as a subordinate to the generals there stationed.’
What significant title did Julian’s soldiers acclaim him with in 360 CE, and how did he initially react?
Julian’s soldiers hailed him as Augustus, but he initially rebuked them and declared he did not desire the honor.
What policies did Julian implement to restore pagan practices during his reign?
Julian restored temples, lifted bans on sacrifices, funded pagan rituals, and criticized Christianity’s influence on Roman traditions.
How did Julian address poverty and charity among pagans during his reign?
Julian urged pagans to imitate Christian charity, stating, ‘The impious Galilaeans provide support for our people as well as their own, yet ours are seen to lack aid from us.’
What notable document did Julian publish in Antioch in March 363, and why?
Julian published Misopogon, a satire criticizing the citizens of Antioch for their lack of support and disdain for his policies.
How did Julian die, and when did this occur?
Julian died of wounds received in battle against the Persians on June 26, 363 CE, near the Persian border.
Which historians provide key insights into Julian’s reign, and how do their perspectives differ?
Ammianus Marcellinus: Balanced account, admired Julian but noted some flaws. Gregory of Nazianzus: Hostile due to Julian’s anti-Christian policies. Libanius: Praised Julian as a restorer of paganism. Zosimus: Viewed Julian favorably and as a victim of biased historical accounts.
What educational and philosophical influences shaped Julian’s early life?
Julian was tutored in Christian theology but later embraced pagan philosophy, influenced by Mardonius and his studies in Athens, Ephesus, and Pergamum.
What was Julian’s criticism of Constantine the Great’s legacy?
Julian accused Constantine of subverting old customs and virtues, favoring luxury and Christianity over traditional Roman values.
What actions did Julian take regarding the military during his rule?
Julian restored military discipline, campaigned in the East and West, and ensured soldiers received adequate rewards and supplies.
Why was Julian unpopular with certain groups despite his reforms?
Julian’s open practice and promotion of paganism alienated Christians, who were a growing majority in the empire.
