Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was born on April 30th, 0121. Marcus passed away March 26th, 0180 at 58 years old. Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome, Italia, Roman Empire.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. Marcus was a member of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, the last of the 5 rulers that were later known as the Five Good Emperors and was the last emperor of the Pax Romana, which was an age of relative calm, peace, and stability for the Roman Empire which lasted from 27 BC until 180 AD. He served as the Roman consul in 140, 145, and again in 161.

Marcus, from a young age, displayed enthusiasm for boxing and wrestling. He trained in wrestling during his youth and into his teen years, learning to fight in armor and joined the Salii, which is an order of priests dedicated to the god Mars which were responsible for the sacred shield. They were possibly responsible for heralding war season’s start and end.

He was educated at home, going in line with contemporary aristocratic trends, and he thanked Catilius Severus for encouraging him to avoid public schools. Diognetus (his painting master) proved especially influential, having introduced Marcus to the philosophic way of life. It was his idea for Marcus to take up the dress and habits of the philosopher. He studied as he wore a rough Greek cloak and would sleep on the ground until his mom was able to persuade him to sleep on a bed.

Late in 136, Hadrian nearly died from a hemorrhage. While convalescent in his Tivoli villa, he picked Marcus’ intended father-in-law as both successor and adopted son. His motives are not all that certain, it’d seem that his goal was to eventually get a then-too-young Marcus on the throne.

After Hadrian eventually died in 138, Marcus kept Hadrian’s nominees in office and appeased the senate, respecting its privileges and commuting the death sentences of any men charged during Hadrian’s final days. For this dutiful behavior, he was asked to accept the name of “Pius”.

Marcus’ Meditations was written in Greek, and is a book that was never meant to be published. His meditations offer up a remarkable series of challenging exercises and spiritual reflections that are developed as the emperor struggled to comprehend himself and make better sense of the universe.

Even though these meditations were composed to provide personal consolation and encouragement, Marcus also created one of the best of all works of philosophy: this timeless collection which has been admired and consulted by thinkers, statesmen, and readers throughout the centuries.

Marcus Aurelius: Lists & Other Mentions

• Meditations was a National Book Foundation: 100 Life-Changing Books Selection in 2006 and a Waterstones: The Books You've Always Meant to Read Selection in 2020.

Related Authors

Fans of Marcus Aurelius also enjoy these authors:

1. J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings Series.
2. Neil Gaiman, author of the American Gods Series.
3. George Orwell, author of: 1984.
4. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
5. Ray Bradbury, author of: Fahrenheit 451.

Marcus Aurelius: F.A.Q