Julian the Faithful

Here is an interesting coin. And Cato is right, the changes were not unnoticed by those who were learned and chronicled history, but would the common man truly know the extent of the changes? I think we hear words like Roman Empire, Principate, Dominate, Byzantine Empire, etc, and we assume that is the terminology used by those who lived in this age. The facts seem to indicate that even in this late age, the Emperors went to some trouble as to be seen as protectors of a Republic that had not in fact existed in some time. These men knew the value of spin. Thank you all for your thoughts. Truly enlightening. Obverse: Finely engraved bust of Julian wearing the royal diadem and robes, fastened by a large brooch at the shoulder; Latin legend DN FL CL IVLIANVS PF AVG, abbreviated form of Dominus Noster Flavius Claudius Julianus Pius Felix Augustus = "Our Lord Flavius Claudius Julianus Dutiful and Wise Augustus." Reverse: The Apis Bull standing right, two stars above; Latin legend SECVRITAS REIPVB = "The Security of the Republic," CONSPB (mint of Constantinople) below.

After a few weeks research, most sources claim that Julian was inducted into the cult of Mithras. Now whether this was purely propaganda, or sincere, that will require further investigation. It is also been stated by several sources that Julian built a Mithraeum in the place of Constantinople. That to me, seems very important. I doubt there were many adherents to Mithras in the city of Constantine, so it is likely, and I say this loosely, that it was for his use. Here are a couple of coins of some interest.

I have been reading "Against the Galileans", by Julian. He literally picks apart their religion with words from their own book. It was something to read. You should read that and ask some of them the following question. If anything, you will see some mad people! They hate the inconsistencies of their own work, especially when you use reason and intellect in exposing them. I always tell my friends that I do not need to make up lies about Christianity, the Good Book does that enough.

- Rowland Smith, Julian's Gods. Religion and Philosophy in the Thought and Action of Julian the Apostate. London and New York: Routledge, 1995. Pp. xvii + 300. ISBN 0-415-03487-6. - J. Bidez, La vie de l'empereur Julien, deuxieme tirage, Paris 1930, 219-224 It seems that his connection to Mithras is more than just speculation, but as Ursus said "the connection between Mithraism and the esoteric philosophies of the day have yet to be fully discovered". But given the material available, I dont think one can say he was not a member of the cult. If for Propaganda reasons alone, he most likely was, given its popularity amongst the soldiers. If anyone has any links to his work 'Hymn to King Helios', or any information on the mysterious Maximus, I would be in your debt.

You have always have good replies Ursus. Thanks for the encouragement. I am looking into this in depth, and I will post anything I find to get thoughts from you guys. I saw mention of a Mithraeum built by Julian in Constantinople. I will look to see if there is a source attached, or wild speculation.

-An entry from The Encyclopedia of Heresies and Heretics by Chas S. Clifton. Published in 1992 by ABC-Clio, Santa Barbara, California. (Polish edition: Encyklopedia herezji i heretyk

I am pondering potential research topics for graduate school, and I have been reading various threads on this forum, as well as researching on my own. I have yet to see discussion, or sources, and I may be wrong, as I have not yet read everything, of the significance of Julian's initiation into the cult of Mithras, if he indeed was in it. Given the similarities between the two religions, it seems to me that Julian would take particular affront to Christianity. It would be an angle to look at, if it has not already been done. I have begun looking into the introduction of Sol Invictus by Aurelian, and the events followed with Constantine, and eventually Julian. Now I am not sure if Mithraism was as widespread as some say, or small as others postulate, but it does seem to be significant nonetheless, and the similarities with Christianity are significant enough to warrant a closer look. This is just in the initial stages, and I wanted to seek out thoughts and opinions of educated men on the subject. I am open to any and all ideas. once again thank you for your time.

He was trying to modernize Paganism eh? Clever. If he had won we could well have seminaries devoted to Jupiter or Athena, rather than to christian studies. Does anyone know much about this Pagan Advisor of his, Maximus?

"A horseman appeared through the dust charging at full gallop. He rode up and aimed his cavalry lance directly at the Emperor.It found its mark. The spear grazed julian's arm, pierced his ribs and ended up in the lower part of his liver. It was a double- bladed spear. so sharp that as julian tried to pull it out he cut the fingers of his right hand to the bone". This is a direct quote from Adrian Murdoch's "The Last Pagan". I am not sure of the source he used, but it sounds similar to Ammianus, but what I found interesting is that Murdoch claims that Shapur offered a large, and public award for Julian's death. That reward was never claimed, which helped fuel the rumors it was a Christian Legionnare. I am still reading this book, so sources he used will be forthcoming.

I have begun the downloads. I appreciate those who offer such things to the masses. Thank you.

Forgive me if this is in the wrong forum, but it pertains to religion in the late Empire. I have been reading "Julian the Apostate, Documents and Debates in Ancient History", by Shaun Tougher. He poses several questions that must be answered given the polarity over Julian in documents and debates pertaining to him. These are a few questions that he said fuel the fascination with the Pagan Emperor. 1. Was Julian attempting to replace Christianity with his own demanding brand of pagan monotheism, in which Mithraism was the key? 2. Or was he in fact a much more traditional Pagan, happy for the plethora of Gods to have their devotees? I would like your learned opinions on the matter.

mefufeecgagmn My wife is now interested in her name, so this is for a female. I can have her register if it is necessary. By the way, the second translation for me was awesome. My real name is Augustine, but I did not think it a family name, but I was curious if it would be used. Again thank you.

As well, he was the adopted son of Julius Caesar, whose family claimed descendence from Aeneas, and the Goddess Venus through him. So not only propaganda, but a way to show himself as the living embodiment of Rome's founding and strengthen his connection to the myths and legend. Brilliant if u ask me. In the article, it says that "old" sources spoke of his rededication of the Cave, and the placing of a white Eagle in its dome. Does anyone know this source?

Does anyone know if this was just announced at a news conference, or is there a journal that their work has been published?

An eagle in the center! Wow, this is amazing news.