"Julian and the Alamanni" Topic

"Julian had survived because he was so young (only six when the previous Emperor Constantine died), and he appeared unambitious and insignificant; he professed Christianity, but he had fallen in love with the culture of Athens and was a pagan at heart. In 355, as Constantius himself was preparing for war against Sapor, Julian was sent to Gaul as caesar to fight the Franks. (Julian's chief of staff was picked personally by Constantius.) Julian quickly assumed command and won some victories, but the raids continued. The Alamanni-after a succession of successful raids and skirmishes, after driving even Julian behind walls, after seeing Roman cooperation break down in a futile attempt to coordinate a converging movement on the Alamanni-decided on a major campaign in Gaul under their king, Chnodomarius [Chnodomar]. Julian was ready to fight, and the two sides met at the battle of Strasbourg [Argentoratum] (A. D. 357).

The Roman army had to march about twenty miles. It set out at dawn, the foot soldiers in the middle, their flanks guarded by cavalry squadrons including cataphracts and archers ("a formidable kind of armed men"). After eight hours marching, they reached the vicinity of the enemy camp and Julian suggested to the troops that they prepare a fortified camp wherein they could rest, refresh themselves, and prepare to attack the next dawn. The soldiers "gnashed their teeth, clashed their spears on their shields," and demanded that Julian lead them immediately against the enemy. Julian's Praetorian prefect also urged him to attack while they had all the Alamanni fixed in one location and reminded him of "the hot tempers of the soldiers which could turn them so easily to riot." A standard bearer cried out, "Advance, Caesar, luckiest of all men!"…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Just finished Julian by Gore Vidal.

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Amicalement
Armand

Rather interesting closing paragraph – other writers tend to portray his paganism as a breath of tolerance in an increasingly narrow minded culture.