Jovian was chosen as emperor to replace Julian, who had been killed in battle against the Persians. He had been Julian's imperial guard captain. He was not a very successful military strategist or general, and withdrew troops from the Persian frontier. In order to be able to retreat unmolested, he made a treaty with the Persians in which he surrendered most of the territory won by Julian. This act was seen as shameful cowardice by most of the troops. While still on the march in Galatia, Jovian was poisoned by an improperly vented brazier left in his sleeping quarters. There has been a some suspicion that this was not an accident, but an act of revenge committed by some of his disappointed troops
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