"Marcus Aurelius (r. 161 – 180 AD) was the second emperor of the Antonine dynasty. His reign marked the end of a long period of relative peace. An intellectual and no soldier by upbringing, experience or nature, Marcus nevertheless spent more time away on campaign than any of his predecessors. In this period he also wrote his twelve books of Meditations in Greek, which are still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty. Amongst philosophers, Marcus is remembered alongside Seneca (d. 65 AD) as a pillar of Roman stoicism.
Marcus was born on 26 April 121 AD. His father died in his early childhood, probably when Marcus was only eight years old. Adopted by his paternal grandfather, Marcus Annius Verus, he served as consul under Emperor Antoninus Pius at the age of eighteen. Marcus married Antoninus's daughter Faustina and had at least twelve children with her. His only son to survive childhood was Commodus, who would be made Augustus and co-emperor in 177 AD, and succeed his father in 180 AD at the age of nineteen.In 140 AD Marcus was made consul again, with Emperor Antoninus Pius as his colleague. As the heir apparent, Marcus took the name Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus Caesar and as such officially became the designated next emperor.
Two emperorsWhen Emperor Antoninus Pius died in 161 AD, Marcus had spent 23 years learning the ropes of the administrative structures of the administrative structures within the Roman Empire. The Senate had planned to confirm Marcus alone as Pius' successor, but he had refused to take office unless his adoptive brother Lucius Verus received the same status and powers as himself.
Even though the concept of a dual emperorship was a novelty, the Senate actually welcomed the situation. Rome's archenemies, the Parthians, had just invaded the Roman vassal state Armenia in the autumn of 161 AD. The two imperial brothers acted in unison and the Senate thought is advantageous that one could stay at home and take care of the public administration, while the other one dealt with critical situations at the front. Upon becoming emperor, Marcus took the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus…"
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