The Last Pagan: Julian the Apostate and the Death of the Ancient World

The Last Pagan: Julian the Apostate and the Death of the Ancient World

Julian, Emperor of Rome, 331-363
Julian, Emperor of Rome, 331-363 -- Religion
Emperors -- Rome -- Biography
Paganism -- Rome -- History
Rome -- Religion
Rome -- History -- Julian, 361-363

"Since his death on a Persian battlefield in A.D. 363, the violent end of the Emperor Julian has become synonymous with the death of paganism. But how did a young philosopher-warrior, who ruled for only eighteen months, come to be seen as one of the most potent threats to Christianity?" "Driven by a burning hatred of the Church, rooted in the brutal murder of his family and the treachery of his Christian predecessor Emperor Constantius II, Julian dedicated his brief reign to the eradication of this new and dangerous cult. He vowed to rid the Roman Empire of heresy and restore paganism to the hearts and minds of its citizens." "Although vilified throughout history as the 'Apostate', Julian was an inspirational and visionary leader. He made appointments on merit rather than influence or money, cut down on bureaucracy and had an economic policy geared to avoid corruption and waste. His experiment with paganism may have ultimately failed, but Julian has long been a hero of secular humanists and critics of Christianity's historical record." "Drawing on Julian's own writings, and using extensive new archaeological and literary research, Adrian Murdoch explores the vivid, engaging and complex character of this controversial emperor. The Last Pagan will fascinate anyone with an interest in ancient history or the history of Christianity."--Jacket.

Adrian Murdoch

Stroud : Sutton

Introduction: The Brittle Glass -- 1. Return of the Gods -- 2. A Written Order -- 3. Heart of Fire -- 4. Out of the Darkness -- 5. The Shadow of Sacred Plumes -- 6. Sung in Vain -- 7. Nothing in Excess, Augustus -- 8. Where King Nebuchadnezzar Grazed -- 9. Present Opportunity -- 10. Towards the Islands of the Blest -- Epilogue: By the Silvery Kydnos.

Book