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Ancient Stoic: 10 Intriguing Facts About Marcus Aurelius

Image of a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback for a blog post covering facts about Marcus Aurelius.

When it comes to fascinating historical figures, the facts about Marcus Aurelius might surprise you.

This Roman Emperor, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, wasn’t just a powerful leader – he was also a deep thinker and writer whose ideas still resonate today.

Marcus, considered one of the 5 great emperors of Rome, wore many hats: philosopher, military commander, and even plague fighter.

His book “Meditations” continues to inspire readers with its timeless wisdom on dealing with life’s challenges.

But there’s more to Marcus than his famous writings.

Did you know he was a coin innovator?

Or that he co-ruled the empire for a time?

From his multilingual skills to his unexpected impact on Roman succession, Marcus Aurelius led a life full of intriguing twists.

Let’s dive into 10 surprising facts that reveal the complex man behind the emperor’s crown and philosopher’s pen.

The Details: 10 Facts About Marcus Aurelius

Let’s kick off our list with perhaps the most well-known fact about Marcus Aurelius.

Our first intriguing detail sheds light on why he’s often called the “Philosopher Emperor,” a title that sets him apart from other Roman rulers.

1. Philosophical Emperor

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD.

He was also a philosopher, an unusual combination for a ruler.

One of the most intriguing facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he authored “Meditations,” a profound philosophical work.

It was not intended for publication, but rather served as his personal journal. In it, he reflected on ethical living and handling life’s challenges.

“Meditations” remains widely read today for its timeless wisdom. Interestingly, Marcus did not aspire to be emperor; he was adopted into the imperial family.

During his reign, he faced significant challenges, including wars and a devastating plague. Yet he strived to govern with fairness and reason.

He even composed parts of “Meditations” while on military campaigns.

His rare blend of political power and philosophical insight makes him a remarkable historical figure.

2. Reluctant Ruler

One of the most surprising facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he never wanted to be emperor.

He was born into a wealthy family but not the royal one.

Emperor Hadrian noticed young Marcus and arranged for his adoption into the imperial family.

Marcus received an excellent education, studying philosophy, law, and leadership.

He preferred a quiet life of learning to the busy world of politics.

However, duty called when he became emperor in 161 AD.

Marcus approached ruling with a philosopher’s mindset, always trying to make fair decisions.

He wrote about the burdens of leadership in his personal journal, later published as “Meditations.”

Interestingly, Marcus often expressed his wish to retire and live a simple life.

Despite his reluctance, he ruled for 19 years, facing wars and a terrible plague.

His sense of responsibility always outweighed his desire for a peaceful philosopher’s life.

3. Plague Fighter

One of the lesser-known facts about Marcus Aurelius is his role in fighting a terrible plague.

The Antonine Plague hit the Roman Empire around 165 AD.

It was probably smallpox and killed millions of people.

The disease spread quickly through the empire, affecting both civilians and soldiers.

It caused a major crisis, hurting the economy and weakening Roman defenses.

Marcus Aurelius faced this challenge head-on.

He provided funds for burials and tried to boost morale.

The emperor also worked to maintain food supplies in affected areas.

Interestingly, he even allowed non-citizens to join the army to replace lost soldiers.

Marcus wrote in his journal, “You have power over your mind – not outside events.”

This quote shows his resilient approach to the crisis.

Despite the plague’s severity, Marcus continued to lead and make reforms.

His efforts helped the empire survive this devastating period.

4. Military Campaigner

One of the surprising facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he spent much of his reign as a military commander.

Despite being a philosopher, he led troops against invading Germanic tribes.

These wars lasted for most of his rule, from 166 to 180 AD.

Marcus personally went to the frontlines, living in military camps for years.

He faced tough challenges, including a plague that weakened his army.

In 171 AD, he won a significant victory against the Quadi tribe in the “Rain Miracle” battle. Legend says a timely rainstorm saved his outnumbered troops.

Marcus used his philosophical training to stay calm under pressure.

He even wrote parts of his famous book, “Meditations,” while on campaign.

Interestingly, he was the first emperor in 75 years to command troops in person.

His dedication to defending Rome’s borders showed that philosophers could also be strong leaders.

5. Co-Emperor Period

One of the most interesting facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he started his reign as a co-emperor.

In 161 AD, he shared power with his adopted brother, Lucius Verus.

This was unusual in Roman history, as most emperors ruled alone.

Marcus and Lucius had very different personalities.

Marcus was serious and philosophical, while Lucius enjoyed luxury and parties.

They divided responsibilities based on their strengths.

Marcus handled administration and legal matters, while Lucius led military campaigns.

Together, they faced challenges like wars and a devastating plague.

Surprisingly, their different styles worked well together. Marcus respected Lucius and never tried to overshadow him.

This co-rule lasted until Lucius died in 169 AD.

After that, Marcus ruled alone for 11 more years.

The experience of shared rule shaped Marcus’s approach to leadership, emphasizing cooperation and mutual respect.

6. Sculptural Legacy

One of the most fascinating facts about Marcus Aurelius is the survival of his famous equestrian statue.

This bronze sculpture is incredibly rare, as most ancient metal statues were melted down over time.

Surprisingly, it survived because people mistakenly thought it depicted Constantine, a Christian emperor.

This error protected it from being destroyed.

For centuries, the statue stood outside Rome’s Lateran Palace.

In 1538, it was moved to Capitoline Hill.

Today, the original statue is kept safe indoors at the Capitoline Museums. A replica now stands in its place outside.

This artwork has inspired many other equestrian statues throughout history.

Interestingly, it’s the only surviving ancient Roman equestrian statue.

The statue’s endurance mirrors Marcus Aurelius’ lasting impact on history.

It gives us a unique glimpse into Roman art and the image of this philosopher-emperor.

7. Epistolary Educator

One of the lesser-known facts about Marcus Aurelius is his role as an epistolary educator.

He exchanged countless letters with his teacher, Fronto, over many years.

Epistolary education means learning through letter-writing, which was common in ancient Rome.

Their letters covered topics like rhetoric, literature, and philosophy.

They also shared personal news and advice.

This correspondence gives us a unique peek into Marcus’ education and personality.

In one letter, Marcus playfully describes his daily routine, including his studies.

Surprisingly, their letters continued even after Marcus became emperor.

The relationship evolved from teacher-student to a close friendship.

These letters show Marcus’ dedication to learning and self-improvement.

They reveal his human side, beyond his roles as emperor and philosopher.

This long-lasting exchange shaped Marcus’ thinking and writing style, influencing his later work, “Meditations.”

8. Coin Innovator

One of the lesser-known facts about Marcus Aurelius is his role as a coin innovator.

Coins were crucial in the Roman Empire for trade and paying soldiers.

Marcus faced economic challenges due to wars and plagues.

He introduced new gold coins called aurei to help stabilize the economy.

These coins were slightly lighter than before but maintained their value.

Marcus also created special coins to honor his family members.

Some coins featured the empress carrying her children.

Interestingly, he minted coins celebrating military victories, even during tough times.

This helped boost morale.

Marcus’s coins often showed him as a military leader rather than a philosopher.

These coins have helped historians understand the events of his reign better.

They provide a timeline of wars, family events, and economic changes.

Marcus’s coin reforms show how he tried to keep the empire strong during difficult times.

9. Multilingual Philosopher

One of the fascinating facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he was a multilingual philosopher.

He spoke both Latin and Greek fluently.

Surprisingly, he wrote his famous book “Meditations” in Greek, not Latin.

Greek was the language of philosophy in the Roman world.

Marcus learned Greek from a young age and used it for deep thinking.

His language skills helped him study a wide range of philosophical ideas.

As emperor, he could communicate with people across the vast Roman Empire.

Marcus often wrote his speeches in Greek first, then translated them to Latin.

This shows how he blended Greek wisdom with Roman leadership.

His ability to use both languages made him a bridge between cultures.

Marcus’ multilingual talent allowed him to express complex ideas and connect with diverse subjects.

10. Dynastic Disruptor

One of the surprising facts about Marcus Aurelius is that he unintentionally disrupted Roman imperial succession.

He belonged to the “Five Good Emperors” era, where rulers adopted capable heirs.

Marcus broke this tradition by choosing his biological son, Commodus, as successor.

This decision had far-reaching consequences for the Roman Empire.

Marcus spent years preparing Commodus for leadership, even making him co-emperor.

However, Commodus turned out to be a poor ruler, known for cruelty and extravagance.

This contrasted sharply with Marcus’ philosophical teachings and wise governance.

Interestingly, Marcus’ choice was partly influenced by the lack of other suitable candidates.

The shift from adopted to hereditary succession marked the beginning of Rome’s decline.

Commodus’ reign was so unpopular that after his assassination, the Senate declared him a public enemy.

Marcus’ well-intentioned decision shows how even wise leaders can make choices with unexpected, long-lasting impacts.

Short Bio: Facts About Marcus Aurelius

Full Name:

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus

Place of Birth:

Rome, Italy

Date of Death:

March 17, 180 AD (in Vindobona, modern-day Vienna, Austria)

Profession:

Roman Emperor, Philosopher

Major Achievements:

  1. Ruled as Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD
  1. Wrote “Meditations,” a seminal work of Stoic philosophy
  1. Successfully defended the Roman Empire against Germanic tribes
  1. Implemented legal reforms to protect the rights of women and slaves
  1. Managed the empire during the Antonine Plague crisis

Legacy:

Marcus Aurelius is remembered as one of the “Five Good Emperors” and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire.

His philosophical work, “Meditations,” continues to be widely read and influential in modern times, offering insights on ethics, duty, and the nature of existence.

He is often regarded as the embodiment of Plato’s concept of the “philosopher king,” and his reign is seen as an example of effective leadership guided by wisdom and virtue.

His life and writings have inspired countless leaders, thinkers, and ordinary individuals across the centuries, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures in Western philosophy and political thought.

Wrap-up: Facts About Marcus Aurelius

These fascinating facts about Marcus Aurelius reveal a man who wore many hats: philosopher, emperor, military leader, and more.

He faced plagues, wars, and personal challenges with stoic resilience.

Marcus’s writings continue to inspire people today, offering timeless wisdom for dealing with life’s ups and downs.

His reign marked a pivotal moment in Roman history, balancing traditional duties with forward-thinking ideas.

From his multilingual talents to his coin innovations, Marcus showed that leaders can be both practical and intellectual.

Even his mistakes, like choosing his son as successor, teach us valuable lessons.

These glimpses into his life remind us that great historical figures were also human, facing complex decisions and personal struggles.

As you reflect on these facts about Marcus Aurelius, consider: How might his approach to leadership and personal growth apply to your own life?

Perhaps, like Marcus, we can all strive to be lifelong learners and thoughtful actors in our own worlds.

FAQs: Facts About Marcus Aurelius

1. Was Marcus Aurelius popular during his reign?

Marcus Aurelius was generally well-regarded during his reign, earning respect for his fair and thoughtful leadership.


His philosophical approach to governance, emphasis on justice, and personal integrity contributed to his positive reputation.


The Roman people appreciated his efforts to maintain stability in the face of numerous challenges, including wars on the frontiers and the devastating Antonine Plague.


His decision to share power with his adopted brother Lucius Verus was seen as an act of wisdom and humility.


However, the continuous wars and the plague did cause significant hardships for many Romans, which may have led to some discontent.


Despite these challenges, historical records suggest that Marcus was viewed as a capable and benevolent ruler.


His posthumous deification by the Senate and the enduring popularity of his philosophical work “Meditations” further attest to the high regard in which he was held, both during his lifetime and after his death.




2. Did Marcus Aurelius have a family?

Yes, Marcus Aurelius had a substantial family.


He was married to his first cousin, Faustina the Younger, in 145 AD.


Their marriage was reportedly a happy one, lasting 30 years until Faustina’s death in 175 AD.


Together, they had at least 13 children, though only six survived to adulthood – one son and five daughters.


Their son, Commodus, would succeed Marcus as emperor, breaking the tradition of adopted heirs.


Among their daughters, Lucilla became the most prominent, marrying Marcus’ co-emperor Lucius Verus.


Marcus was known to be a devoted father, and his love for his children is evident in his writings.


However, his family life was not without tragedy.


The loss of several children in infancy or childhood deeply affected him, and these experiences likely influenced his stoic philosophy.


Despite the demands of his role as emperor, Marcus made efforts to be involved in his children’s lives and education, demonstrating that even an emperor had to balance the responsibilities of rulership with those of family life.




3. How did Marcus Aurelius die?

Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 AD, at the age of 58.


At the time of his death, he was on a military campaign in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna), defending the northern frontiers of the Roman Empire against Germanic tribes.


The exact cause of his death is not definitively known, but it is widely believed that he succumbed to the Antonine Plague, a pandemic that had been ravaging the Roman Empire for years.


This plague, possibly smallpox or measles, had already claimed millions of lives across the empire.


In his final days, Marcus reportedly refused food and drink, possibly hastening his own death in the stoic tradition.


According to some accounts, his last words to his attendants were, “Go to the rising sun; I am setting.”


His death marked the end of the era known as the “Five Good Emperors” and the Pax Romana.


Marcus’ body was returned to Rome, where he was deified by the Senate.


His ashes were interred in Hadrian’s Mausoleum (now Castel Sant’Angelo), and his death was mourned throughout the empire, marking the end of a significant chapter in Roman history.


References: Facts About Marcus Aurelius