Julian's Baths, more correctly termed the Thermes, formed part of a Roman palace probably erected during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian (no later than 228 AD), and later patronized by the Emperor Julian. Julian (Flavius Claudius Julianus Augustus, 331/332-363 AD) was a military commander, theosophist, social reformer, noted philosopher and Greek writer. He was the last non-Christian ruler of the Roman Empire (361-363 AD) and it was his desire to bring the Empire back to its ancient Roman values in order to save it from dissolution. He attempted to revive traditional Roman religious practices at the cost of Christianity. His rejection of Christianity caused him to be called Julian the Apostate. He was made Caesar over the western provinces, by Constantius II in 355, where he campaigned successfully against the Alamanni and Franks. In 363, Julian embarked on an ambitious campaign against the Sassanid Empire. Though initially successful, Julian was mortally wounded in battle and died shortly after.