Emperor Julian and divination in the Contra Galilaeos

Abstract

Divination played a central role in the life and thinking of Emperor Julian. This can be attributed to both mperial practices and his proximity to the Neoplatonic ideas of Iamblichus, who believed that the use of sacrifices and divination promoted union with the divine. However mantics also played a significant part in his Against the Galileans. An admirer of the Chaldeans and their theurgy, Julian portrays Abraham as a theurgist and an expert in divination. He illustrates this by referencing several biblical episodes from the patriarch's life, such as observing the stars (Genesis 15:5), taking omens (Genesis 15:7-11) and interpreting signs through his steward (Genesis 24). Julian thus elevates Abraham to the status of an alter ego in order to legitimise his own ritual and divinatory practices. This polemical instrumentalisation aims to affirm the continuity between Judaism and Hellenism, while rejecting Christian claims to the Abrahamic heritage. It also enables him to challenge the Christian interpretation of Abraham's faith, as set out by the Apostle Paul. For Julian, faith consists of tangible proofs sent by God which cannot be reduced to mere trust in the divine word – a view that contrasts with that of Clement of Alexandria.