Marcus Aurelius

Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (April 26 121 – March 17 180) was Roman Emperor from 161 to his death in 180. He was born Marcus Annius Catilius Severus, and at marriage took the name Marcus Annius Verus. When he was named Emperor, he was given the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors.

Early life

His uncle Antoninus Pius adopted him as a son and designated him his successor on February 25 138, when Marcus was only seventeen years of age. Antoninus also named Lucius Verus as his successor. When Antoninus died on March 7 161, Marcus accepted the throne on the condition that he and Verus were made joint emperors (Augusti), with Verus partly subordinate. The reasons for this are unclear but are thought to have been part of the succession arrangement of Antoninus's predecessor, Hadrian. After the death of his first adopted son, Aelius Verus, Hadrian appointed Antoninus Pius his successor on the condition that Antoninus in turn would adopt Marcus Annius Verus, the son of his wife's brother, and Lucius, son of Aelius Verus, and arrange for them to be next in line. In time they became the emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Aelius Verus.

Related Topics:
Antoninus Pius - February 25 - 138 - Lucius Verus - March 7 - 161 - Augusti - Hadrian

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Aurelius married Faustina the Younger in 145. During their thirty-year marriage Faustina bore thirteen children, most notably, his son Commodus who would become Emperor and daughter Lucilla who was wed to Lucius Verus to solidify his alliance with Marcus Aurelius.

Related Topics:
Faustina the Younger - 145 - Commodus - Lucilla

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