Emperor of Rome Julian

Born in Constantinople in 331 or 332, Julian was a nephew of Constantine the Great and grew up in the shadow of violent imperial politics. Despite a difficult youth, he received a strong education in Greek literature and philosophy, interests that stayed with him throughout his life.

He was made Caesar in 355 and sent to govern the western provinces, where he won praise for his leadership in Gaul and for military successes against Germanic tribes. In 361 he became sole Roman emperor. Julian is often remembered as “Julian the Apostate” because, though raised Christian, he turned instead toward traditional Roman religion and tried to restore pagan worship.

His reign lasted only until 363, when he died during a campaign against the Persian Empire. Even so, he left a lasting mark as a rare combination of soldier, statesman, and serious writer, and his life has fascinated historians ever since.