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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During Julian's time in Gaul, Constantius is concerned about Julian because:

2. After the people proclaim Julian as Augustus, Julian learns that Constantius:

3. After his brief interlude in Athens, Julian returns to:

4. The person Julian calls "the Galilean" is:

5. Julian always has doubts about:

Short Essay Questions

1. Julian first meets his cousin, Constantius, when he is 16. How does he prepare for the encounter and what is his reaction to the visit?

2. Julian says he longs to be an ordinary student. Name and describe the roles of at least three people who encourage his scholarly ambition.

3. Julian often claims that he dislikes the ritual, etiquette and intrigue of the royal court, that he does not seek to acquire rank or power, and that he longs only to become a scholar. Do you think this is true? Give evidence for your answer/

4. Julian loses many of the adults of his young life. Describe three of these losses and how they influence him as a youth.

5. What do the letters of Priscus and Libanius reveal about the culture and customs that exist in Rome at the time of their correspondence?

6. Julian's friend Oribasius reminds him that he is in possession of a packet of instructions from Constantius and urges him to open the packet. What information is contained in the packet? How does Julian react to the information?

7. Why does Libanius seek to publish a manuscript about Julian 20 years after his death?

8. Gallus and Julian have an affair with the same woman, a servant in their household, at the same time. What do you think this says about the two boys?

9. Who is Sosipatra and what effect does she have on Julian's life?

10. Describe Julian's relationship with his brother, Gallus.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout his life, Julian is greatly influenced by signs, omens, dreams and prophecies. Discuss Julian's reliance in signs, prophecies, dreams and omens. Is it a weakness, a flaw or a legitimate philosophical perspective? Consider the idea of self-fulfilling prophecies and the power of suggestion in Julian's life.

Essay Topic 2

Libanius wants very much to publish a manuscript of Julian's memoirs. What is Libanius' motivation for wanting to publish the manuscript? Do you think it is a good idea to publish this manuscript? Why do you think Theodosius forbids publication of the manuscript? Do you think Libanius should be allowed to publish? Why or why not? What happens if he publishes the manuscript?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the evolution of Julian's feelings about Christianity. Why do you think his attitude changes and becomes so negative? Is there anything else going on within him or around him that would influence him to become anti-Christian?

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