Flavius Jovianus was born in 330 A.D. at Singidunum (modern Belgrade). His father was the commander of imperial bodyguard of Constantius II. Jovian began his career as a member of that same force, serving first under Constantius II, then Julian. By 363, following his father's example, he rose to become commander of the guards. After the death of Julian in June of the same year, his troops elevated Jovian to the position of emperor. The new emperor had little time to rest, for when the Persian king Sapor II (Shapur II) heard that the new Roman emperor was the second choice, he increased his attacks on the Roman forces in Mesopotamia. Jovian was eager for peace, so much so that he agreed to withdraw from the five provinces beyond the Tigris annexed by Diocletian, and leaving to the Persians several strategic fortresses as well as a large part of Armenia. Needless to say, this treaty was considered a disgrace, the result of a weak and feeble emperor who could not bear the pressures of office. Jovian condemned the pagan faith of his predecessor Julian and restored subsidies to the Christian church that were initiated under Constantine the Great. Well aware of just how fragile his position was as long as he remained away from the capital, Jovian sought to get back to Constantinople. Jovian departed Antioch in the winter, making his way across Asia Minor. However, he would never reach his destination. On the border of Bithynia and Galatia, in the town of Dadastana, he was discovered dead in his bed. While there are no suggestions of a violent demise, the circumstances of his death remain a mystery.