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Julian

Rome’s Last Pagan Emperor
Series: Ancient Lives
4.09 goodreads logo

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( 233 ratings, 38 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Julian by Philip Freeman offers an engaging biography of the Roman Emperor Julian, also known as Julian the Apostate. It delves into his life’s journey from his early years to his short but impactful reign. The book explores Julian's attempts to revive pagan traditions in a predominantly Christian empire and provides insights into his philosophical thoughts and military campaigns.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This captivating biography delves into the life of one of history's most intriguing Roman emperors, exploring his journey from a reluctant ruler to a transformative leader. You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by ancient history, complex personalities, and the intricate world of Roman politics.

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The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman.

Flavius Claudius Julianus, or Julian the Apostate, ruled Rome as sole emperor for just a year and a half, from 361 to 363, but during that time he turned the world upside down. Although a nephew of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome, Julian fought to return Rome to the old gods who had led his ancestors to build their vast empire.

As emperor, Julian set about reforming the administration, conquering new territories, and reviving ancient religions. He was scorned in his time for repudiating Christianity and demonized as an apostate for wilfully rejecting Christ.

Through the centuries, Julian has been viewed by many as a tragic figure who sought to save Rome from its enemies and the corrupting influence of Christianity. Christian writers and historians have seen Julian much differently: as a traitor to God and violent oppressor of Christians.

Had Julian not been killed by a random Persian spear, he might well have changed all of history.

Series: Ancient Lives

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    The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman. "When we think of ancient Rome, it's impossible not to think of Christianity, one of its most notable exportsβ€”but what if it hadn't been? This is the question provoked by classicist Philip Freeman in Julian, an appealing new entry in Yale's Ancient Lives series,...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Julian by Philip Freeman has been well-received for providing an engaging narrative on the last pagan emperor of Rome. Reviewers praise the book for its meticulous and unsentimental portrayal, offering a clearer image of this complex historical figure. It's described as an excellent primer, effectively setting the context for Julian's reign and exploring his resistance to Christianity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300256642

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 November 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 1 b-w illus.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 168

About the Author

Philip Freeman is Fletcher Jones Chair and professor of the humanities at Pepperdine University. His books include Hannibal: Rome’s Greatest Enemy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar.

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  • Julian
    The tragic life of Julian, the last non-Christian emperor of Rome, by award-winning author Philip Freeman. "When we think of ancient Rome, it's impossible not to think of Christianity, one of its most notable exportsβ€”but what if it hadn't been? This is the question provoked by classicist Philip Freeman in Julian, an appealing new entry in Yale's Ancient Lives series,...
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