Comparing the Reigns of Julian and Constantius Essay

For a ruler to be successful, certain characteristics must be present in that specific person. There are many variances to the cookie-cut emperor, though they all share similar passions. For instance, while one ruler emphasizes trade routes and commercial power for expansion of their legion, another may emphasize war and destruction only to rebuild their own version of their legion in the place that had been won. Although both rulers have very different manners and ideas about how to expand their empire, both have the same wish to be fulfilled. This kind of contradiction of power and reason is very implemented into the storyline of Julian. Between Julian and Constantius, they both attempt to reform the state religion, but are at†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, Julian was Constantius kryptonite. Julian who, at a young age is very submissive and obedient follows the reign of Constantius for his own safety. Struck with fear from the death of his father, Julian ne ver reveals his true beliefs until the proper moment. Sly and witty with his life, Julian makes alliances with other paganistic believers as he ventures into philosophy and sciences, only to suppress his wishes on being any sort of leader. With mentors and friends like that of Oribasius, Libanius, and Priscus, Julian is molded into a very intelligent person; His intelligence with the sciences assist him greatly later on in his persecutions of the Christian faith. Julian is successful at keeping his secrets regarding his true beliefs, which keep him in the good graces of Constantius, ensuring his protection into adulthood. After the death of his brother, Julian was promoted to Caesar due to the necessity of command for the armed forces [pp 184-185]. Being a natural at military command, Julian was able to experience what power can do to a person. With his successes against the Germans, the people who fought under his Caesar-ship revolted at the order of Constantius and forced Ju lian to the seat of Augustus [pp 257-262]. Julian still remained careful in his choices, nearly refusing his newly appointed position at first and still claiming Christian faith, at least until