The Emperor Flavius Claudius Julianus, known to posterity as the Apostate, is an extraordinary figure in the history of the Roman Empire. And although he was Caesar for only five years (355–360), and Emperor for less than two years (361–363), he became famous as a wise and just ruler, a good commander, a brave soldier, and an efficient administrator. He was also a great lover of ancient culture and a talented writer. He left behind many official letters and literary works. His writings provide valuable information both about the Roman state in the fourth century and about himself and his family. He was also one of the best educated Roman rulers, well versed in Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and history.
Two exceptional women played a particularly important role in the life of Julian the Apostate: his wife Helena and Eusebia, the wife of Emperor Constantius II, his cousin. Both were endowed with many good qualities, which are mentioned not only by Julian the Apostate himself in his writings, but also by other ancient authors, including the historians Ammianus Marcellinus, Eutropius, Zosimos, the rhetorician Libanius, and historians of the Church Socrates Scholasticus and Hermias Sozomen. Both Eusebia and Helena are very interesting figures. But, while about Eusebia there is a great deal of information in various sources, about Helena there are only brief mentions. Nevertheless, both of these empresses are worth closer attention. In my article, written in Italian, I present a picture of the virtues of Helena and Eusebia, as contained in the writings of the Emperor Julian the Apostate himself, as well as other ancient authors.
