Julian (A.D. 331-363) was the last Roman emperor to oppose Christianity. He became known as The Apostate (the Forsaker of Beliefs). Julian was a nephew of Constantine I, the emperor who legalized Christianity in A.D. 313. Julian was born in Constantinople. He received a Christian education but secretly rejected Christian beliefs. In 355, his cousin, Emperor Constantius II, made Julian the Caesar (ruler) and defender of Gaul. There, Julian distinguished himself, and his troops proclaimed him emperor in 361. Civil war almost resulted, but Constantius died that same year.
As emperor, Julian tried to halt the growth of Christianity by strengthening the Roman religion and prohibiting Christians from teaching in the schools. He also tried to end corruption in government and restore prosperity during his 18-month reign. He died fighting the Persians in Mesopotamia on June 26 or 27, 363. Julian’s death ended serious opposition to Christianity in the Roman Empire.
