Comparing the Reigns of Julian and Constantius

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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 polar opposite ends in regards to what they believe in. Although both are somewhat successful during their turn as emperor, both have very distinct ways of unraveling one another's achievements.

Beginning with Constantius, his rule is the foundation to the success of Christianity. By making various changes to the structure of rule and deliberate attacks on those who opposed him, the rise of Christianity as the state religion of Rome came into light. One of Constantius' very prominent strategies involved that of eliminating those who showed signs of threatening his authority. Amongst those in elimination, Julian's father, and eventually Julian's brother [who he technically did not have a close relationship with] [pp 16]. Not only did Constantious strike fear in the hearts of his people, but he also implemented bishops and those who held an office like such, into the core of the government. Constantius granted them power and luxuries that would further promote the Christian faith so the image o...

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...mpire became a Christian state. Probably due to the lack of force Julian used, there left open spaces for fear to be set in by another ruler more like that of Constantius. Though a valiant effort to restore the old Roman Empire was made, the imminent fate of the empire soon takes hold after Julian's death.

Works Cited

Vidal, Gore. Julian. Boston: Little Brown, 1964. Print.

Cook, Jeremy. "Review of "Julian" by Gore Vidal." We Are Amused. N.p., 28 Mar 2011. Web. 04 Apr 2012. .

tristaprez, . "Julian- Gore Vidal Christianity vs. Paganism." Hubpages. N.p., 10 Aug 2006. Web. 01 Apr 2012. .

Author Unknown. "Julian | Summary." BookRags. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr 2012. .

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