Letter 15: I have issued a general order lifting the sentences of exile imposed by Constantius of blessed memory on all those...
Julian the Apostate→Aetius|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.
To Bishop Aetius 6 [362 Jan Constantinople]
I have remitted their sentence of exile for all in common who were banished in whatever fashion by Constantius of blessed memory, on account of the
folly of the Galilaeans.1 But in your case, I not only remit your exile, but also, since I am mindful of our old acquaintance and intercourse, I invite you to come to me. You will use a public conveyance 2 as far as my headquarters, and one extra horse.
6 See Introduction under Aetius.
1 Julian always scoffed at the disputes of the Arians with the various other sects of the Church.
2 i. e. he was given the privilege of using an official carriage, provided by the state.
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.