Marcus Aurelius

INC-1604-a Ауреус Марк Аврелий цезарь ок. 152-153 гг. (аверс)

CapitoliniMAurelioGiovane3

AELIUS CAESAR RIC II 987-671493

Antoninus Pius, sestertius, AD 140-144, RIC III 601

Antoninus Pius, with Marcus Aurelius Caesar, denarius, AD 139, RIC III 412a

Marcus Aurelius (26 April 121 – 17 March 180 AD) was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He was the last of the rulers traditionally known as the Five Good Emperors, a term coined by Niccolò Machiavelli, and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius was a practitioner of Stoicism, and his untitled writing, commonly known as Meditations, is a significant source of the modern understanding of ancient Stoic philosophy. It is considered one of the greatest works of philosophy.

Early Life

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus was born in Rome on 26 April 121 AD, into a prominent and established family. His early education was overseen by various tutors, who taught him literature, drama, and philosophy, with a significant emphasis on Stoicism.

Rise to Power

Marcus Aurelius rose to power as part of a complex succession plan initiated by Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius on the condition that Antoninus would adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his sons. Thus, when Antoninus Pius succeeded Hadrian in 138 AD, Marcus Aurelius was positioned to eventually co-rule the empire. He became co-emperor with Lucius Verus in 161 AD, following the death of Antoninus Pius.

Reign

The reign of Marcus Aurelius was marked by military conflict. The Roman Empire faced a revitalized Parthian Empire in the East and the barbarian tribes along the Danube and Rhine rivers. The most significant military challenge came from the Marcomannic Wars, a series of conflicts with Germanic tribes and other nomadic groups. Despite these challenges, Marcus Aurelius managed to keep the empire intact and maintain its borders.

Marcus Aurelius is also noted for his administrative reforms and his philosophical writings. As a Stoic philosopher, he wrote Meditations as a source of personal guidance and self-improvement. This work, written during his military campaigns, is a collection of thoughts that reveal his commitment to the Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

Death and Legacy

Marcus Aurelius died on 17 March 180 AD, in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna) or Sirmium in Pannonia. His death marked the end of the Pax Romana. He was succeeded by his son, Commodus, whose reign is often seen as the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.

Marcus Aurelius is remembered as a model of the philosopher-king and is often considered one of the greatest emperors in Roman history. His life and works continue to be studied for their contributions to philosophy, ethics, and leadership.

Works

• Meditations – A series of personal writings, reflecting Marcus Aurelius' Stoic philosophy.

See Also

• Stoicism
• Roman Empire
• Five Good Emperors
• Pax Romana