Marcus Aurelius

Date of Birth: April 26, 121 AD

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: March 17, 180 AD

Biography

Marcus Aurelius, born Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He is renowned as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors” and is also one of the most prominent Stoic philosophers. Born into a wealthy and politically connected family, Marcus was groomed for leadership from a young age. His reign is noted for his philosophical writings, particularly “Meditations,” which remains a seminal text in Stoic philosophy. Throughout his rule, he faced significant military challenges, including wars against Parthia and the Germanic tribes. Despite these external pressures, Marcus managed to maintain stability and is remembered for his just and thoughtful approach to governance.

5 Interesting Facts about Marcus Aurelius

1. Marcus Aurelius wrote “Meditations” as a series of personal writings and reflections, which were never intended for publication.

2. He co-ruled the Roman Empire with Lucius Verus from 161 to 169 AD, a rare occurrence in Roman history.

3. Marcus Aurelius was a proponent of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes rationality, self-control, and virtue.

4. During his reign, the Antonine Plague struck the Roman Empire, causing widespread death and suffering.

5. His reign marked the end of the Pax Romana, a long period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marcus Aurelius

1. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

2. “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

3. “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”

4. “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”

5. “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius controlled vast resources, but net worth as we understand it today does not apply. His wealth was tied to the Roman Empire’s resources, which were immense.

Children

Marcus Aurelius had at least 14 children with his wife, Faustina the Younger. His most notable child was Commodus, who succeeded him as Emperor of Rome.