Letter 15

Julian the ApostateAetius|c. 362 AD|julian emperor
arianismimperial politics

To Bishop Aetius [a leading Arian theologian].

I have issued a general order lifting the sentences of exile imposed by Constantius of blessed memory on all those banished for the follies of the Galileans [Julian's contemptuous term for Christians — he viewed their internal theological disputes as absurd].

In your case, however, I am not only revoking your exile but — since I remember our old acquaintance and friendship — I am personally inviting you to come to me. You may use official transport [a government-provided carriage and horses, a significant privilege] as far as my headquarters, plus one additional horse.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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