ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Julian shaped his own unique imperial identity by distancing his image from that of his predecessor Constantius II, but still exploited the dynastic links he possessed with the Constantinian house. The chapter features two main case studies, contrasting Constantius II with Julian in the imperial behaviours of these two emperors and in their treatment of different religious groups. I aim to demonstrate that even while Julian sought to establish a distinct imperial identity from that of his cousin Constantius II, he still leaned heavily upon the example set by his uncle the emperor Constantine.
