June 27th

Festival of Intium Aestatis/Death of Julian the Blessed

 

In ancient Rome, the festival of Intium Aestatis kicked of the beginning of Summer in honor of Aestas, the Goddess of Summer.

It was on this day in 363 c.e., that Julian “The Apostate” died from a fatal wound received in battle. Julian was name “The Apostate” by Christian writers because he reinstated the Pagan cults after Christianity had become the established religion of the Roman Empire.

Julian was brought up in Cappadocia and given a Christian tian education, but he had a passion for the classics and the old Gods. When Julian became emperor, he openly professed his Pagan beliefs and attempted to revive some of the older ideals and a tolerance for all religions. Unfortunately, his philosophy losophy did not sit well with the Christian bishops, who were politically influential at the time.

There was little support for Julian’s return to Paganism, despite his stand. Furthermore, many of the Roman officials disliked Julian’s efforts to improve the lot of the Jews in the Empire or his preparations for a long war with Persia. Julian set out with some 65,000 infantry and cavalry in March 363. He crossed the Syrian desert, capturing small cities along the way. He reached Ctesiphon in June, but it could not be breached. He ordered a tactical retreat up the Tigris. On June 26, he was wounded in a skirmish, and he died on June 27. It is very possible that his death was ordered ahead of time by disgruntled politicians and carried out by one of his own soliders.