What was one of Julian the Apostate's goals regarding Christianity?

Julian the Apostate, who reigned as Roman Emperor from 361 to 363, is best known for his efforts to revive and promote paganism in an empire that was increasingly dominated by Christianity. One of his primary goals was to re-emphasize pagan worship and practices, which he believed were crucial to the identity and stability of the Roman Empire. Julian aimed to restore the traditional Roman religions, emphasizing the importance of the old gods and the rites associated with them.

He attempted to undermine the growing influence of Christianity by reinforcing pagan institutions and creating a rival to the Christian church, which included appointing pagan priests and encouraging the practice of traditional rituals. This effort was articulated in his writings, where he expressed his disdain for Christianity and his longing to return to the ancient ways of worship. His measures reflected a broader philosophical and political perspective that sought to integrate paganism into public life and governance, thus making it a focal point of his reign.