Roman Emperor, Philosopher. Born in AD 121, and, with Lucius Verus, was adopted as a son of heir the Emperor Antoninus Pius in AD 138. As a young man he studied philosophy, particularly the stoic, Epictetus, and was made consul for the first time in AD 140. On Pius's death in AD 161, he and Verus were made joint Emperors, with Verus commanding the legions in the east and Aurelius ruling from Rome. He passed laws to improve the situation of slaves, widows, and children and introduced distinct punishments for those of different social classes. After the death of Verus in AD 169, he became sole ruler, and personally led the army against a German rebellion, eventually repelling the invaders after a long campaign. While on this campaign he wrote his famous "Meditations," a work of stoic philosophy that is still regarded as a classic of western literature. He also toured the eastern provinces, and visited Athens where he declared himself a protector of philosophy, before winning victories on the Danube frontier in AD 178. He died, possibly of cancer, in AD 180 and was immediately deified; a column and temple were erected to commemorate his victories.
Roman Emperor, Philosopher. Born in AD 121, and, with Lucius Verus, was adopted as a son of heir the Emperor Antoninus Pius in AD 138. As a young man he studied philosophy, particularly the stoic, Epictetus, and was made consul for the first time in AD 140. On Pius's death in AD 161, he and Verus were made joint Emperors, with Verus commanding the legions in the east and Aurelius ruling from Rome. He passed laws to improve the situation of slaves, widows, and children and introduced distinct punishments for those of different social classes. After the death of Verus in AD 169, he became sole ruler, and personally led the army against a German rebellion, eventually repelling the invaders after a long campaign. While on this campaign he wrote his famous "Meditations," a work of stoic philosophy that is still regarded as a classic of western literature. He also toured the eastern provinces, and visited Athens where he declared himself a protector of philosophy, before winning victories on the Danube frontier in AD 178. He died, possibly of cancer, in AD 180 and was immediately deified; a column and temple were erected to commemorate his victories.
Bio by: js
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