STOIC PHILOSOPHY

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius

Born Marcus Annius Verus in 121 CE (874 AUC) in Rome. He was adopted by his aunt, Faustina, the wife of Antoninus Pius who later became emperor and changed his name to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius.

In 161 CE (914 AUC), he and his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, assumed imperium. Marcus Aurelius dominated the reign and became sole ruler. His reign was spent defending the empire against Parthians, Germans, and Britons. He won a victory over the Marcomanni, which was commemorated by the Antonine column (Piazza Colonna, Rome), erected by his son and successor, Commodus. Devoted to his duty and humanitarian in his conception of it, Marcus Aurelius was concerned with improving living conditions for the poor, particularly minors. He was always lenient with political criminals and tried to decrease the brutality at gladiatorial shows.

Marcus Aurelius was a devout Stoic. He wrote a diary to himself which we today call "The Meditations". "The meditations" contains Marcus Aurelius'personal rules for living. They are one of the most readable classics of Stoic literature.