Oxford University Press - Julian Augustus: Platonism and Rome

Explore the complex life of the Roman emperor Julian (r. 361-363 CE) through this scholarly study from Oxford University Press. This work examines a ruler who was both a man of action and a man of letters, dedicated to returning the Roman Empire to the light of the pagan gods. This book details Julian's attempt to reverse the Christianization of the empire initiated by Constantine and his sons. It traces how his mission was guided by his conversion to Neoplatonic philosophy and the radical pagan Hellenism of Iamblichus and his disciples. By examining his Greek orations, letters, and satires, the text provides a clear look at his vision of Rome's destiny as a providentially guided history. This volume is an essential resource for readers interested in Late Antiquity, Roman history, and the philosophical movements that shaped the era.