CHAPTER XXVI

ABOMINABLE SORCERIES DETECTED, AFTER THE DEATH OF JULIAN, AT CARRAS

AFTER the murder of Julian, his magical arts and incantations were discovered. At Carras may even now be seen vestiges of his impiety. When this foolish man was passing through this city (for he had left the city of Edessa, on account of the reputation enjoyed by its inhabitants for piety), he entered an idolatrous temple with his associates, committed some infamous crimes, and then ordered the gates to be closed, and the place to be guarded by soldiers, so that no one might enter until his return. After his death, when a religious prince had succeeded to his throne, the interior of the temple was examined. A woman was discovered suspended by the hair; her hands were stretched out, and her stomach was cut open. This had been done by the infamous emperor, who had sought to learn the issue of the Persian war by the inspection of her liver. Thus was the hateful deed detected at Carras.