Beyond the armor and battlefield, Emperor Julian wielded a different kind of weapon –a quill that etched philosophical treatises and illuminating dialogues. Within his works lie the echoes of his relentless quest for understanding, as he navigated the corridors of philosophy with an audacious spirit. Join us as we turn the pages of his intellectual legacy, tracing his journey of wisdom and exploration, from the Uneducated Cynics to the grand Hymn to King Helios.
| YEAR | WORK | CONTENT |
|---|---|---|
| 356 AD | Panegyric in Honour of Constantius | Written to reassure Constantius that he was on his side. |
| 357 AD | Panegyric in Honour of Eusebia | Expresses gratitude for Eusebia’s support. |
| The Heroic Deeds of Constantius | Indicates his support of Constantius, while being critical –sometimes called "second panegyric to Constantius". | |
| 359 AD | Consolation Upon the Departure of Salutius | Grapples with the removal of his close advisor in Gaul. |
| 361 AD | Letter to the Senate and People of Athens | An attempt to explain the actions leading up to his rebellion. |
| 362 AD | Letter to Themistius the Philosopher | Response to an ingratiating letter from Themistius, outlining Julian’s political reading. |
| To the Cynic Heracleios | Attempt to set Cynics straight regarding their religious responsibilities. | |
| Hymn to the Mother of the Gods | A defense of Hellenism and Roman tradition. | |
| To the Uneducated Cynics | Another attack on Cynics who he thought didn’t follow the principles of Cynicism. | |
| The Caesars | Satire describing a competition among Roman emperors as to who was the best. Strongly critical of Constantine. | |
| Hymn to King Helios | Attempt to describe the Roman religion as seen by Julian. | |
| Against the Galilaeans | Polemic against Christians, which now only survives as fragments. | |
| Fragment of a Letter to a Priest | Attempt to counteract the aspects that he thought were positive in Christianity. | |
| 363 AD | Misopogon or Beard-Hater | Written as a satire on himself, while attacking the people of Antioch for their shortcomings. |
| 359-363 AD | Letters | Both personal and public letters from much of his career. |
| – | Epigrams | Small number of short verse works. |
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