Julian the Apostate in Byzantine Culture

The last pagan emperor of the Roman empire, Julian, was a controversial figure in Byzantine culture. While some admired his accomplishments as an author, others viewed him as an enemy of Christianity. This book explores Julian's reputation from the perspectives of Byzantine culture, highlighting the differences in cultural perspectives and the enduring impact of his brief and unsuccessful policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Julian, the final pagan emperor of the Roman Empire, met his demise in battle in 363. In the Byzantine (or Eastern Roman) empire, the figure of Julian elicited contrasting reactions: disdain for his apostasy coupled with admiration for his achievements, particularly as a writer of Greek literature. Julian's life was tragically cut short, and his attempt to revive paganism proved unsuccessful, yet, paradoxically, his brief and unsuccessful policy had a lasting impact for centuries.

This book explores Julian's life and reputation from the perspectives of Byzantine culture. The historical trajectory of his posthumous reputation highlights the diverse cultural viewpoints, particularly within the Eastern Roman empire, which thrived for nearly a millennium after the fall of the Western empire. Byzantine culture perceived Julian in various ways: as the rightful emperor of the enduring Roman empire; as the author of Greek works that were preserved and passed down for generations within the language that scholars, the Church, and the state administration continued to employ; and as a staunch adversary of Christianity.

Julian the Apostate in Byzantine Culture will captivate scholars and students of Byzantine perspectives on Julian, Greco-Roman Paganism, and the Later Roman Empire, as well as those with an interest in Byzantine Historiography.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032017488