The truth was that Greco-Roman culture, even in its highest ideals, was no longer going anywhere without Christianity. When Julian realized this, it shattered his spirit. He died in 363 leading a reckless campaign against the Parthians in Mesopotamia. His last words were, “Man of Galilee, thou hast won.” The brief but spectacular failure of Julian’s reign guaranteed the triumph of Christian civilization. It also hastened the doom of the Roman Empire.27
