# Julian the Apostate (361)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/361-julian-the-apostate
Location: Constantinople
Themes: Politics

Emperor Julian renounces Christianity and tries to restore paganism, but dies in battle in 363. At this point in the timeline (361), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Liberius (17 May 352 – 24 September 366). His claim was contested by Antipope Felix II.

## Why it matters
Julian the Apostate mattered because it changed the relationship between the churches and political power.

Pope at the time: [Pope Liberius](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-liberius)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Julian (emperor)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Julian the Apostate](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Julian+the+Apostate)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)