Post-Constantine Julian

Julian When Constantine died, most of his relatives were killed expect for the 3 brothers inheriting the throne and 2 of their cousins: Gallus and Julian. At the time of the massacre, only Constantinus was in Constantinople, which is where it occurred. Julian was convinced Constantinus ordered this even though no hard evidence surfaced.

Julian Julian claims that Gallus was mortally ill and he was only 6 is why they were spared. Gallus and Julian were kept from imperial court. Gallus was devoted to physical exercise and Julian loved philosophical studies. Both were baptized and received Christian instruction.

Julian Constantinus became sole emperor and had no children so he called Gallus in 350 to be Caesar or junior emperor. Gallus did not rule well and rumors circulated of him leading a conspiracy so Constantinus had him arrested and beheaded.

Julian Julian became interested in ancient mystery religions and classical Greek lietrature Constantinus gave Julian a shot at being caesar but with low expectations. Julian actually ruled well and proved capable of be a good general as well

Julian Constantinus became jealous because Julian proved capable as a leader and tensions rose. He was preparing a campaign against Persia and called for Julian’s troops but they refused and claimed Julian as emperor. Both sides braced for battle but Constantinus died before it occurred.

Julian In 361, Julian became sole emperor He first sought revenge on those who opposed him He was known as Julian the Apostate

Julian Sought to restore paganism so he brought back all of the items that Constantine had stripped from pagan temples to put in churches. Organized the pagan priesthood and made it a hierarchy with regions and priests and but he was over all priests Priests were to live good lives and give to charity. He did take some things from Christianity.

Julian He ordered massive sacrifices to the gods His programs were not popular though He did not endorse persecution but some Christians were persecuted during his reign His policy was to mock hinder the progress and mock Christians

Julian He hindered by banning them from teaching classical literature He mocked them by calling them Galileans Julian was killed rather abruptly in battle against Persia

Athanasius Member of the lower class in Egypt During early years stayed with the monks of the desert a lot Big opponent of Arianism Arius taught that Jesus was not God

Athanasius Eusebius of Nicodemia and other oppnonents sought to end him so they circulated rumors that he dabbled in magic and a tyrant of his Christian flock. Athanasius went to the emperor to present his case but Eusebius has much clout with him so Constantine banished him form Alexandria. Constantine died and the 3 sons allowed exiles to return home

Athanasius When he returned to Alexandria, there was an Arian party claiming the bishop seat. He was again exiled to Rome for safety While in Rome, he gained support from the Roman bishops for the Nicene position A synod convened and declared Athanasius bishop

Athanasius Constantine II died. Constans asked Constanius to allow Athanasius to return to Alexanddria so he did because he needed his support. Athanasius was welcomed as a hero Constanius was pro-Arian so when he became sole emperor he he forced bishops to accept Arian views Athanasius was sought and he fled to deserts again

Athanasius He lived with monks 5 years When Julian took over, Athanasius returned to his bishop seat Arianism gained much ground while he was away Finally in 381, even though he was dead, the second ecumenical council convened at Constantinople and ratified the Nicene creed.