Birth of Marcus Aurelius Emperor of Rome

Birth of Marcus Aurelius Emperor of Rome

Known for his philosophical interests, Marcus Aurelius was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history.

Marcus Aurelius was born during the reign of Emperor Hadrian on the 26th April 121.

His father Marcus Annius Verus, died when he was three, and he was raised by his mother Domitia Calvilla.

In 138, Hadrian adopted Marcus’ uncle Antoninus Pius, as his new heir.

Around the age of 17, Marcus Aurelius was adopted by Antoninus.
He worked alongside his adopted father while learning the ways of government and public affairs.

From a young age, Marcus displayed enthusiasm for wrestling and boxing.
He trained in wrestling into his teenage years, and learned to fight in armour.

Emperor Hadian died on 10th July 138, and Marcus’ adoptive father Antoninus, became emperor.

Now heir to the throne, Marcus married Antoninus’ daughter, Faustina in 145.

Little is known of the ceremony, but we do know coins were issued with the heads of the couple.

On 30th November 147, Faustina gave birth to a girl named Domitia Faustina.
She was the first of at least thirteen children (including two sets of twins) that Faustina would bear over the next twenty-three years.

Only one son and four daughters, outlived their father.
Best known of these are daughter Lucilla and son Commodus.

In 140, Marcus Aurelius became consul – leader of the senate – a post he would hold twice in his lifetime.

As the years passed, he received more responsibilities and official powers, evolving into a strong source of support and counsel for Emperor Antoninus.

Marcus also continued his philosophical studies, and developed an interest in law.

After Emperor Antoninus died in 161, Marcus Aurelius succeeded to the throne alongside his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus.

The joint reign of the two brothers was marked by war and disease.
In spite of their equality, Marcus held more authority than Lucius.

Soon after their accession, Marcus’ eleven-year-old daughter, Annia Lucilla, was betrothed to Lucius.
Lucius died in 169, so Marcus Aurelius then ruled alone.

Like many emperors before him, Marcus spent most of his time addressing matters of law, petitions and hearing disputes.

In 144, Marcus made his son Commodus his co-ruler in 177.
Together they fought the northern enemies of the empire.

Marcus Aurelius died at the age of 58 on 17th March 180.
His ashes were laid to rest in Hadrian’s mausoleum.

Marcus acquired the reputation of a philosopher king within his lifetime, and the title would remain after his death.
Marcus Aurelius would become one of the most respected emperors in Roman history.