Emperor Constantius II, like his father before him, shows a preference for the Christian religion, which he favors over all others, including Judaism.

Unlike his father, however, Constantius allows Christians to persecute the pagans and the Jews.

Christian clergy practices intolerance toward non-Christians, both through the secular arm and directing the angry crowds, which attack and destroy synagogues and temples.

The Jews eventually decide to react, opposing Christian proselytism and showing intolerance toward Jewish converts.

The fiery sermons, preached in synagogues against Edom, are in fact directed against those Romans who, after removing the Jews' political independence, are now repressing their religion.

Constantius in 350 is engaged in a campaign in the East against the Sassanids.

He is however forced to return to the West to counter the usurpation of Magnentius, who had murdered Constantius' brother and colleague, Constans.

Constantius therefore decides to appoint his cousin Constantius Gallus Caesar of the East.