 Theodoret say that this was because he'd reacted angrily when a pagan temple attendant sprinkled water on him, saying "I am not purified, but defiled", and striking the priest.At the news of Julian's death on a campaign against the Sassanids, the army hastily declared a commander, Jovian, emperor.The army still found itself beleaguered by Persian attacks, forcing Jovian to accept humiliating peace terms.