.....Marcus Aurelius, full name Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus, was born in Rome on April 20, 121. He later became a soul emporer of Rome. He was a true philosopher and beleived that the universe was divine. He was one of the few good Roman emporers. He would rather sell his own prized possesions then higher the taxes of the citizens of Rome. When he required more funds for his war in Eastern Europe instead of raising the taxes for the citizens he instead put up a public auction for his own golden tableware and of his wife's silk and gold embroidered dresses the proceeds went to the war. This made him a loved emporer. He ruled from 161 AD to 180 AD. He was harsh on traitors and those who disobeyed the law but was kind to the commonfolk who deserved better. He had a strong dislike for violence but knew when it was needed. Though he detested violence he ordered the persecution of Christians in Lyons and Vienne for a brief period in 177. One of his most famous wrightings is The Meditations a classic work of Stoicism. .....
Links for Marcus Aurelius:
Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius. The Stoic emperor