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Marcus Aurelius: In the Historia Augusta and Beyond

Ike Bell

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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the last of the "Five Good Emperors" of Rome, is one of the most famous and well-respected emperors in history. His reign from 161 to 180 AD was a time of great prosperity and peace for the Roman Empire. Aurelius was also a renowned Stoic philosopher, and his writings on ethics and morality have had a profound influence on Western thought.

Marcus Aurelius in the Historia Augusta and Beyond

by Geoff W. Adams

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Historia Augusta is a collection of biographies of Roman emperors written in the 4th century AD. The biography of Marcus Aurelius in the Historia Augusta is one of the most important sources of information about his life and reign. However, the Historia Augusta is also known to be unreliable in some places, and it is important to be aware of its limitations when using it as a source of historical information.

This article will explore the life and legacy of Marcus Aurelius, drawing on evidence from the Historia Augusta as well as other sources. We will examine his military campaigns, his philosophical writings, and his impact on the Roman Empire.

Marcus Aurelius' Military Campaigns

Marcus Aurelius was a skilled military commander who led several successful campaigns against the Parthians and the Marcomanni. In 162 AD, he defeated the Parthians and captured their capital city of Ctesiphon. In 171 AD, he launched a campaign against the Marcomanni, who had been raiding the Roman provinces on the Danube River. The Marcomannic Wars lasted for several years, and Aurelius eventually defeated the Marcomanni in 175 AD.

Aurelius' military campaigns were not always successful. In 169 AD, he suffered a major defeat against the Quadi, a Germanic tribe. The Quadi ambushed Aurelius' army and nearly killed him. Aurelius was able to escape, but the defeat was a major setback for the Roman Empire.

Despite his military successes, Aurelius was not a warmonger. He preferred to negotiate with his enemies whenever possible. He also took steps to improve the lives of his soldiers, such as increasing their pay and providing them with better food and equipment.

Marcus Aurelius' Philosophical Writings

Marcus Aurelius was a devout Stoic philosopher. He believed that the only thing that is truly under our control is our own thoughts and actions. He also believed that we should live in accordance with nature and that we should strive to be virtuous.

Aurelius' philosophical writings are collected in a book called the Meditations. The Meditations is a collection of reflections on life, death, and the nature of reality. It is one of the most important works of Stoic philosophy, and it has been translated into many languages and read by millions of people around the world.

In the Meditations, Aurelius writes about the importance of living a virtuous life. He argues that we should be honest, just, and compassionate. He also writes about the importance of accepting our fate and of living in the present moment.

Aurelius' writings are full of wisdom and insight. They offer a valuable guide for living a good life, even in the face of adversity.

Marcus Aurelius' Impact on the Roman Empire

Marcus Aurelius was a great emperor who had a profound impact on the Roman Empire. He led successful military campaigns, he wrote important philosophical works, and he was a role model for his subjects.

Aurelius' reign was a time of great prosperity and peace for the Roman Empire. The empire reached its greatest extent under his rule, and its economy flourished. Aurelius also reformed the Roman legal system and made it more just and equitable.

Aurelius' philosophical writings have had a lasting influence on Western thought. His Meditations is a classic work of Stoic philosophy, and it has been studied and admired by philosophers and scholars for centuries.

Aurelius' impact on the Roman Empire is still felt today. He is remembered as one of the greatest emperors in Roman history, and his writings continue to inspire people around the world.

Marcus Aurelius was a complex and fascinating figure who left a lasting legacy on the world. He was a successful military commander, a renowned philosopher, and a just and compassionate ruler. His writings continue to inspire people today, and his impact on the Roman Empire is still felt today.

Marcus Aurelius in the Historia Augusta and Beyond

by Geoff W. Adams

4 out of 5