XVI Summary

Priscus tells Libanius that Julian's account of the events that lead up to his crowning as Augustus could be at least slightly skewed. He points out that Julian tells of nothing but support from everyone except Constantius. Yet Priscus says that's not true, and that many of the "responsible" men in the Roman empire supported Constantius. According to Priscus, Julian sent "at least a dozen lengthy harangues" to the senates at Constantinople and Rome. He then describes Rome's outcry against Julian when the self-proclaimed Augustus demanded their loyalty. Priscus says he was at the senate in Athens when Julian's message was read, outlining the murders for which he blamed Constantius. Priscus says the senators didn't react at all, fearing to take a side. Julian hears details of Constantius' last days, including the fact that he died of a fever. Julian then learns of...