Julian us

(Flavius Claudius), Roman Emperor, b. Constantinople 17 Nov. 331. In the ma acre of his family by the sons of Const an tine he escaped. He was educated in the tenets of Christianity but returned to an eclectic Paganism. In 354 he was declared Cæsar. He made succe ful campaigns against the Germans who had overrun Gaul and in 361 was made Emperor. He proclaimed liberty of conscience and sought to uproot the Christian superstition by his writings, of which only fragments remain. As Emperor he exhibited great talent , tact, industry, and skill. He was one of the most gifted and learned of the Roman Emperors, and his short reign (Dec. 361—26 June, 363), comprehended the plans of a life-long administration. He died while seeking to repel a Persian invasion, and his death was followed by the triumph of Christianity and the long night of the dark ages.