Julian's Gods: Religion and Philosophy in the Thought and Action of Julian the ApostateJulian's brief reign (360-363 AD) had a profound impact on his contemporaries, as he worked fervently for a pagan restoration in the Roman Empire, which was rapidly becoming Christian. Julian's Gods focuses on the cultural mentality of `the last pagan Emperor' by examining a wide variety of his own writings. The surviving speeches and treatises, satires and letters offer a rare insight into the personal attitudes and motivations of a remarkable Emperor. They show Julian as a highly educated man, an avid student of Greek philosophy, and a talented author in his own right. This elegant and closely-argued study will deepen understanding not only of Julian, but of the context of fourth century Neoplatonism. |
Contents
| 1 | |
JULIANS EDUCATION AND PHILOSOPHIC | 23 |
THE INVECTIVES | 49 |
THE CHALDAEAN ORACLES | 91 |
JULIAN AS INITIATE | 114 |
DOCTRINE IN THE HYMNS | 139 |
THE APOSTATE AGAINST THE CHRISTIANS | 179 |
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Julian's Gods: Religion and Philosophy in the Thought and Action of Julian ... Rowland B. E. Smith No preview available - 2014 |
Common terms and phrases
Ammianus appeal argument associated Bidez central century certainly Chaldaean Oracles Christians claim clear close connection Constantius contrast conversion criticism cult cultural Cybele Cynic Diogenes discussion divine doctrine doubt earlier early Emperor Empire Eunapius evidence fact follows further Galilaeans given gives gods Greek Helios hymn Iamblichus ideal imperial imply important influence initiation interest interpretation issue Julian King knowledge late later least less letter Libanius London look means mind Mithraic Mithraism Mithras Mysteries nature Neoplatonism Neoplatonist Nock notion Oracles pagan Paris particular passage perhaps Persian philosophic Platonist polemic political possible practice presented Priest question reason reference religion religious remarks rhetoric ritual Roman says seems sense significance soul speak specific suggest tell temples theurgy tradition true turn virtue worship writings