Jeremy Swist

Jeremy Swist, an Assistant Professor and expert in late antiquity, dives into the life of Roman emperor Julian, a soldier-philosopher who sought to revitalize paganism. He discusses Julian's educational journey and his embrace of Neoplatonism and theurgy. Swist highlights Julian's writings as a medium for self-construction and his view of rulership as cycles of refoundations for Rome. The podcast explores how Julian was perceived by contemporaries and how his legacy evolved into the 'last pagan' narrative, urging listeners to understand him within his philosophical context.