Jovianus (Flavius Claudius) [Jovian], born in Pannonia A.D. 331, son of Varroniantus, an illustrious nobleman of that province. He distinguished himself in the war against the Persians, during the reign of Julian the Apostate [Julian II], at whose death he was elected emperor by the army. Compelled by necessity, he agreed to conditions of peace with Savor, far from honourable to the Romans. Though luxurious and even dissolute in his manners, Jovian possessed many excellent qualities; he was watchful over the tranquility and zealous for the happiness of his subjects. He recalled the bishops and priests whom Julian II had banished, and was judiciously promoting the restoration of Christianity through the empire, when he died suddenly in Bithynia, A.D. 364, after reigning little more than four months [actually, little more than seven months]
