Letter 15: I have issued a general order lifting the sentences of exile imposed by Constantius of blessed memory on all those...

Julian the ApostateAetius|c. 362 AD|Julian the Apostate|Human translated
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.

Human translationTertullian Project

Latin / Greek Original

[Πρός: Ἀετίῳ ἐπισκόπῳ]

Κοινῶς μὲν ἅπασι τοῖς ὁπωσοῦν ὑπὸ τοῦ μακαρίτου Κωνσταντίου πεφυγαδευμένοις ἕνεκεν τῆς τῶν Γαλιλαίων ἀπονοίας ἀνῆκα τὴν φυγήν, σοὶ δὲ οὐκ ἀνίημι μόνον, ἀλλὰ γὰρ καὶ παλαιᾶς γνώσεώς τε καὶ συνηθείας μεμνημένος ἀφικέσθαι προτρέπω μέχρις ἡμῶν. χρήσῃ δὲ ὀχήματι δημοσίῳ μέχρι τοῦ στρατοπέδου τοῦ ἐμοῦ καὶ ἑνὶ παρίππῳ.

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