Julian the Philosopher
331 – 363 · Generation XVII · Roman emperor (r. AD 361–363) · Constantinian
Julian (AD 331 – AD 363). Roman emperor (r. AD 361–363). Married Helena around AD 355. The last pagan emperor, raised in the Christian court that had killed his family; died of a spear wound in Persia. Sent to Gaul a scholar, he proved a commander: at Argentoratum his outnumbered army routed an Alamannic confederation, and he restored order along the Rhine while blocking a tax rise on the battered provinces. As sole ruler he dismissed the swollen palace staff of servants and eunuchs, expanded the authority of the cities, and worked to revive the old cults — even barring Christians from teaching the classics. A serious philosopher and author in Greek, he idealised Marcus Aurelius and sat debating in the Senate as one member among many. His Persian expedition won a battle outside Ctesiphon but pressed too deep; the retreat north, harried at every step by Persian skirmishers, ended for him at Samarra.
One of 10 people of Constantinian (246–363) in this archive. Constantine’s house — the first Christian emperors, and a new capital in the east.
Line of descent: Constantius Chlorus → Julius Constantius → Julian the Philosopher.
Parents
- Julius Constantius (289 – 337)
- Basilina of Bithynia (300 – 332)
Siblings
- Constantius Gallus (325 – 354) (half)
Partners
- Married Helena the Younger (325 – 360) in 355
Life
- 331 — Born
- 355 — Married Helena
- 363 — Died