Julian II AD 360-363. Cyzicus
Double Maiorina Æ

29 mm, 7,47 g

D N FL CL IVLIANVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / SECVRITAS REI PVB, Bull standing right, two stars above; CVZICB in exergue.

Near Extremely Fine.

RIC 126.

Julian II, also known as Julian the Apostate, was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 360 to 363. He was born in AD 331 in Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Julian was a member of the Constantinian dynasty and was raised as a Christian. However, he developed a deep interest in philosophy and ancient Greek culture, particularly in Neoplatonism and the worship of traditional Roman gods. When Julian ascended to the throne, he attempted to restore paganism as the dominant religion in the Roman Empire, earning him the nickname "the Apostate" among Christian writers. He sought to end the Christian influence and reinstate traditional religious practices, providing financial support to pagan temples and institutions. Despite his efforts, Julian's attempt at reviving paganism was met with limited success, as Christianity had already become deeply rooted in the Roman Empire. He also faced military challenges, including a campaign against the Sassanian Empire, which ultimately led to his death. During the Battle of Samarra in AD 363, Julian was fatally wounded by a Persian spear and died shortly afterward. His death marked the end of his reign and the resurgence of Christianity under subsequent Roman emperors.