Marcus Aurelius
(Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus)
121–180 |
Marcus Aurelius is one of the most widely admired of the Roman emperors. Although he lived during an age of great corruption and excess, he lived a virtuous life, and used his power and influence tirelessly working for the betterment of his fellow man. With Julius Caesar, he is one of only two emperors for whom we have existing writings. His Meditations is a treatise on Stoic philosophy that is still widely read, and some of his personal letters still exist that provide insight into his noble character.
A nephew of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius was adopted into the imperial household as a youth. He was married to the daughter of the emperor, a woman named Faustina, and the two were blessed with eleven children. His honesty and diligence were notable from his youth, as was his adherence to the Stoic philosophy. At the death of Antoninus Pius, he was encouraged to assume the position of sole ruler by many ministers, but instead he insisted on sharing the honor with Lucius Verus, another adopted son of Pius. The ruled together, for eight years, until the death of Verus, but during this time Verus deferred on most matters to Aurelius. Aurelius then ruled alone for twenty-two additional years.
The reign of Aurelius was plagued by many problems, including floods and famine, pestilence, a tribal rebellion in Germany, and a military uprising in Asia. There were domestic problems, including a large percentage of out-of-wedlock and abandoned children, a general decline of morals, and a troublesome religious sect known as Christianity that opposed the moral authority of the emperor. There were even rumors of marital problems within the immediate family of Aurelius. But through all of these troubles, Aurelius maintained a stoic calm, magnanimity towards his rivals, and a tireless work ethic. Although he did preside over the persecution of Christians, in his own life he exemplified many of Christianity's most cherished virtues.
Key events during the life of Marcus Aurelius:
| Adopted as heirby his uncle Antoninus Pius. | |
| Married Faustina. Marriage produced 11 children. | |
| Succeeded Antoninus Pius with brother Lucius Verus. | |
| Flood of Tiber caused famine. | |
| War in Parthia completed. Pestilence spreads through empire. | |
| Marcomanni tribe rebellion comes to an end. | |
| Becomes sole emperor on death of Verus. | |
| Aurelius resides at Carnuntum, during war with Quadi and Marcomanni. | |
| Defeat of the Quadi. | |
| Rebellion led by Cassius in Asia put down. Death of Faustina. | |
| Made Commodus co-emperor. | |
| Engaged in persecution of Christians. | |
| Died. |
Other Resources
| Marcus of Rome in | Historic Boys by E. S. Brooks |
| Imperial Philosopher in | Pictures from Roman Life and Story by Alfred J. Church |
| Model Pagan in | The Story of the Romans by H. A. Guerber |
| Marcus Aurelius in | Famous Men of Rome by John H. Haaren & A. B. Poland |
| Marcus Aurelius in | The Discovery of New Worlds by M. B. Synge |
| Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher Emperor in | Old World Hero Stories by Eva March Tappan |
Image Links | ||
|---|---|---|
 Marcus Annius Verus at fifteen: afterward, Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus in Historic Boys |
 At a word from Marcus, the three lads drew back their arms as if to brandish their weapons, and shouted their cry of attack in Historic Boys |
 A triumph of Marcus Aurelius, Tiepolo in Famous Men of Rome |
Marcus Aurelius receiving the homage of the Parthians in Famous Men of Rome |
 Equestrian Status of Marcus Aurelius in Historical Tales: Roman |
 Marcus Aurelius. in Old World Hero Stories |
| Fourth of "Five Good Emperors." Continued policy of consolidation. Ruled justly. | |
| Corrupt son of Aurelius, misruled for twelve years and was murdered. | |
| Faustina | Wife of Marcus Aurelius, bore him 11 children. |
| Lucius Verus | Adoptive brother of Aurelius. Co-ruler with him for 8 years. |
| Avidius Cassius | Commander of legions in Syria. Enemy of Aurelius. |