| {{course.flashcardSetCount}} https://www.thoughtco.com/who-was-marcus-aurelius-119719 (accessed April 6, 2021). They were also known as the Five Good Emperors because their method of nominating successors prevented civil war for almost 100 years. Even today, this book is considered a classic of philosophy and is still widely read. This position was a coveted role because many politicians aspired to reach this level of office. Marcus Aurelius died in March 180. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. As Emperor of Rome from 161-180, Marcus Aurelius kept the empire safe from the Parthians and Germans but is best known for his intellectual pursuits. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/who-was-marcus-aurelius-119719. Create your account, {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Get unlimited access to over 83,000 lessons. Historians for many years viewed this period as a high point of human history. 1. Emperor Pius Antonius, who was adopted by Emperor Hadrian after his successor died, also adopted Marcus Aurelius when Aurelius was about 17 years … These emperors did not rely on dynastic succession but selected the ablest candidates as their successors. Marcus Aurelius was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE. Besides his relative success as being Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius may be best known as a Stoic philosopher. He ruled alongside his son Commodus who would be that bad of an emperor that many people regard him as responsible for starting Rome’s long decline into madness. Emperor Pius Antonius, who was adopted by Emperor Hadrian after his successor died, also adopted Marcus Aurelius when Aurelius was about 17 years old, at Hadrian's insistence. It was during this trip east that Faustina, his wife, died. As his training continued, Aurelius maintained his interest in philosophy. Mark has a doctorate from Drew University and teaches accounting classes. When his wife, Faustina, had died in 176, Marcus Aurelius asked the Senate to deify her and built her a temple. Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by his biological heir, in contradistinction to the previous four good emperors. Between 170 and 180, Marcus Aurelians wrote 12 books of generally pithy observations from what is considered a Stoic perspective while emperor, in Greek. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Aurelius was a gifted philosopher, and his book The Meditations, a collection of his thoughts, Stoic beliefs, and notes on his life, is still widely read today. Antoninus’ health started deteriorating by the time he reached the age of 70. Together, they battled the Parthians to secure the eastern borders of the empire. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors, or Roman Emperors who prevented civil war by nominating and training their successors. ― Marcus Aurelius. "The Life and Accomplishments of Marcus Aurelius." After the death of his adoptive father in 161 CE, Aurelius changed his name to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus to emphasize his connection to the previous emperor. Marcus Aurelius Augustus was the emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD, and one of the important stoic philosophers. A complex and interesting question! How Long is the School Day in Homeschool Programs? In 175 CE, a rumor that Aurelius was critically ill began circulating. The 5 elements of this nighttime routine are suitable to lead a balanced life, health, peace of mind and fulfilment. Aurelius ruled with his adoptive brother Lucius Verus as his co-emperor. He married the emperor's daughter Faustina in 145 CE, cementing his succession to the imperial throne. Biography of Commodus, Roman Emperor (180–192), Famous Quotes of Roman Emperor, Philosopher Marcus Aurelius, Biography of Marcus Cocceius Nerva, First of the Good Emperors of Rome, Five Roman Empresses You Shouldn't Invite to Dinner. 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