Julian

Rome’s Last Pagan Emperor

Philip Freeman

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Hardback

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English

Yale University
14 February 2024

Biography: general; History; Ancient history: to c 500 CE

Series: Ancient Lives

The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman

Flavius Claudius Julianus, or Julian the Apostate, ruled Rome as sole emperor for just a year and a half, from 361 to 363, but during that time he turned the world upside down. Although a nephew of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, Julian fought to return Rome to the old gods who had led his ancestors to build their vast empire.

As emperor, Julian set about reforming the administration, conquering new territories, and reviving ancient religions. He was scorned in his time for repudiating Christianity and demonized as an apostate for willfully rejecting Christ. Through the centuries, Julian has been viewed by many as a tragic figure who sought to save Rome from its enemies and the corrupting influence of Christianity. Christian writers and historians have seen Julian much differently: as a traitor to God and violent oppressor of Christians. Had Julian not been killed by a random Persian spear, he might well have changed all of history.

By: Philip Freeman
Imprint: Yale University
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
ISBN: 9780300256642
ISBN 10: 0300256647
Series: Ancient Lives
Pages: 168
Publication Date: 14 February 2024
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Philip Freeman is Fletcher Jones Chair and professor of the humanities at Pepperdine University. His books include Hannibal: Rome’s Greatest Enemy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar.

Reviews for Julian: Rome’s Last Pagan Emperor

This new biography of Julian, who made bold to deny the newly crowned Christian God, by experienced historian Philip Freeman comes as a very welcome addition to the literature on a prolific author whose imperial reach unfortunately exceeded his grasp. -Paul Cartledge, University of Cambridge