The Philosophical Beliefs of Emperor Julian the Apostate: What He Read and Became

Introduction

The reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate was marked by a unique fusion of political maneuvering, personal conviction, and philosophical exploration. A figure of immense complexity, Julian's journey from a Christian emperor to a pagan philosopher-king is a tale that continues to intrigue historians and readers worldwide. This article delves into his philosophical beliefs, the sources that influenced his thinking, and the legacy he left behind.

Julian: A Complex Figure

Julian, born Flavius Claudius Julianus in 331 CE, was the best-known of Constantine I's pagan sons. His path to becoming the _apostate_ emperor of the Roman Empire was neither straightforward nor uncontested. After a tumultuous childhood marked by political intrigue and religious schisms, he sought to reconcile his own mind and soul with the fallen classical pagan deities and ideologies.

Philosophical and Classical Influence

Among the many discussions surrounding Julian's religious beliefs and philosophical leanings, the question of what he read remains a subject of scholarly debate. Julian was profoundly influenced by the classical Greek philosophers, particularly Platonism, Stoicism, and Neoplatonism. These philosophical traditions shaped his worldview and served as a foundation for his efforts to revive traditional paganism within the Roman Empire.

Platonism: Julian adhered to a form of Platonism that emphasized the metaphysical and allegoric interpretations of the Classical Greek myths. He saw the divine as an eternal and unchanging form, which was a critique of the Christian concept of a singular God. Platonism's emphasis on reason and the pursuit of truth resonated deeply with Julian, influencing his approach to governance and philosophy.

Stoicism: Stoic philosophy, which advocated for living in harmony with nature and reason, also had a significant impact. Julian admired the Stoic principle of duty and the idea of a cosmos governed by rational laws. These beliefs aligned with his vision of a society that was ordered and rational, in contrast to the chaos he perceived in the Christian church.

Neoplatonism: Julian's Neoplatonism was more esoteric and mystical in nature, focusing on the study of the divine and the afterlife. Plotinus, the founder of Neoplatonism, emphasized the unity of the divine and the ultimate reality. Julian's Neoplatonic writings, such as The Sovereignty of the Roman Empire and his letters, reflect this absorption and transformation of classical philosophical thought into a coherent religious ideology.

Source Material: Ammianus Marcellinus

The primary source for understanding Julian's life and career is Ammianus Marcellinus, a Roman scholar and historian who lived in the 4th century. Marcellinus' Res Gestae (The Deeds), a firsthand account of the late Roman Empire, provides invaluable insights into Julian's reign and his interactions with various religious and political factions.

Marcellinus paints a nuanced picture of Julian, highlighting both his intellectual pursuits and his political acumen. His writings offer detailed descriptions of Julian's religious reforms, philosophical arguments, and the cultural milieu of late 4th century Rome. Scholars often turn to Marcellinus' work when seeking a comprehensive understanding of Julian the Apostate's reign.

Legacy and Influence

Julian's legacy as a philosophical ruler is multifaceted. His attempts to revive paganism in the Roman Empire were ultimately unsuccessful, but his writings and ideas continue to fascinate contemporary scholars and enthusiasts. Julian's ideal of a ruler who combined religious devotion and philosophical wisdom has found resonance in various reform movements throughout history.

Philosophical Ruler: Julian's vision of the ideal ruler as a philosopher jongle the relationship between politics and philosophy. This fusion of practical governance with deep philosophical inquiry is a concept that has influenced political theory and practice to this day.

Revival of Classical Paganism: Julian's efforts to restore traditional Roman religious practices challenged the growing influence of Christianity. His writings and reforms serve as a counterpoint to the Christian narratives of the period, providing a rich source of historical and philosophical discourse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Julian the Apostate's journey from a Christian emperor to a pagan philosopher-king was shaped by a complex interplay of philosophical, religious, and political factors. His reading and engagement with classical Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism, Stoicism, and Neoplatonism, played a crucial role in defining his beliefs and actions. Through the work of Ammianus Marcellinus, we gain valuable insights into this unique historical figure and the world he inhabited.

For those interested in exploring Julian's life and ideas further, reading Ammianus Marcellinus' Res Gestae and exploring Julian's own writings is a rewarding venture. These resources provide a rich and multifaceted portrait of a complex and fascinating historical figure.