Comparing The Moral Virtues of Antony and Julian the Apostate

Roman emperor Julian the Apostate and Christian leader Antony both exhibited many qualities of character during their existence. Both of them led very distinctive lives although shared several ethical values. Book 25 of “The Later Roman Empire” and the book “Early Christian Lives” show concrete evidence of this. In the following essay, I will argue how both leaders’ lives were devoted to their religious beliefs and their mutual cardinal virtues.

Regardless of the fact that Julian and Anthony did not practice the same religion, they both shared a particular devotion to their beliefs. From a very young age, Antony was exceptionally religious. As a child, he delighted in going to church to be closer to God unlike other children that would prefer playing outside. The entirety of his life was devoted to God’s word. God told him to sell all of his possessions and move away from home, consequently he did. Every time he would be asked to do something by God, he would never hesitate. Antony was an extremely devoted man. For numerous years, he was alone in the deserts of Egypt, spending his days praying. Frequently, the devil endeavored to tempt him with many methods although Antony would resist his attacks by constantly praying and fasting. With time the attacks became more severe and after resisting one of the attacks, Antony questioned if God was really looking out for him and God said,

“Antony, I was here, but I was waiting to watch your struggle. But now, since you have bravely held your own in this fight, I will always help you and I will make you famous the world” (Early Christian lives, p.16).

Antony was heartened by this news. He continued following his religious path, and as God had promised, he became Saint Anthony, the...

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... above were unmistakably shared with both of the leaders.

Antony and Julian both had very different realities. One was a humble saint and the other a victorious warrior. They could even be compared to the political philosophers Plato and Machiavelli. Plato’s ideology on embracing the goods of the soul over the goods of the body is very similar to Antony’s way of life. Machiavelli’s thoughts on how a prince should be feared rather than loved echoes Julian’s leadership style. Both Antony and Julian had very strong moral virtues that many leaders after them have and will aspire to have also.

Works Cited

Gregory, et al. Early Christian Lives. Penguin Books, 1998.

Marcellinus, Ammianus. The Later Roman Empire (A.D. 354-378). Penguin Books, 1986.

Woolf, Greg. Cambridge Illustrated History of The Roman World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.