Julian (331-363), the nephew of Constantine the Great. The slow, tragic death of official, empirial paganism in Europe was lived in the strange life of Julian, called the Apostate.
Julian, born in 331, was raised a Christian. When he was six, the Augustus - a Christian - had most of the male members of Julian's family killed; the future Augustus never forgot the slaughter perpetrated by a "Christian" emperor. Julian was not easily understood by his confreres, nor by historians. Thus until now we have not had a balanced biography of this complex historical figure. In 'Julian the Apostate', Abbot Ricciotti again proves himself to be an impartial historian of early Christianity.
Julian quickly rose to power. While making a discreet public show of his "Christianity," Julian dreamed of restoring the classical paganism of the State to its ancient splendor. He became "Caesar" at 24, and his military campaigns were highly successful. At the age of 29 he was sole Emperor of the Roman world. As Augustus and High Priest, Julian became the last hope of a pagan world. His short convulsive reign marked its frenzied death throes.
The casual reader as well as the serious student of history will find in 'Julian the Apostate" a balanced, historically sound biography. The direct, narrative style makes this "life" of Julian enjoyable as well as informative.