Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher & Emperor of the Roman Empire

Summary

Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, was not only a ruler but also a profound philosopher. Born in 121 CE, he was influenced by Cynic Philosophy and Stoicism, which shaped his reign characterized by justice and efficiency. Despite personal tragedies and challenges, including dealing with his co-emperor Lucius Verus' extravagance and the persecution of Christians, Aurelius remained committed to his beliefs. His 'Meditations' reflects his Stoic views, and his rule is remembered as a golden age of Rome. Despite his loyalty to family, which some consider a weakness, Aurelius' legacy as a philosopher-king endures, and he is celebrated for his wisdom and just governance.

Takeaways

• 📜 Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome and a prominent philosopher.
• 👑 Born in Spain in 121 CE, he was raised by his grandparents and influenced by his mother and teachers.
• 📚 Introduced to Cynic Philosophy in his teens, Aurelius lived a simple life until societal pressures led him to pursue public service.
• 🎓 He studied under influential teachers like Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto, who became lifelong friends.
• 💍 Married to Ceionia Fabia, then later to Faustina, he was groomed for political life by Antoninus Pius.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Aurelius and Lucius Verus became co-emperors, with Aurelius being the more responsible and efficient ruler.
• 🛡️ During his reign, Aurelius dealt with the Parthian War, Germanic Wars, and various domestic crises like floods, famine, and plague.
• 📖 His work 'Meditations' reflects his Stoic beliefs and his approach to life and governance.
• 🔍 He is often compared to Plato's ideal philosopher-king, focusing on the greater good rather than personal ambition.
• 🕊️ Despite criticism for the persecution of Christians, there is no evidence Aurelius directly ordered such actions.
• 🌟 His reign is remembered for its efficiency, justice, and philosophical depth, and he was deified after his death.

Q & A

Who was Marcus Aurelius and what was his significance in Roman history?

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. He was also a prominent philosopher during his life, known for his work 'Meditations' and his adherence to Stoic philosophy.

What was the early life of Marcus Aurelius like?

Marcus Aurelius was born in Spain on April 26, 121 CE into an aristocratic family. After his father's death, he was raised by his grandfathers and nurses, and his mother remained a strong influence in his life. He received a top-tier education and was introduced to philosophical texts in his early teens.

What philosophical beliefs did Marcus Aurelius adopt in his youth?

In his youth, Aurelius adopted the Cynic lifestyle, which advocated for living simply without possessions as a path to true freedom. However, he later returned to studying rhetoric and oratory under the guidance of his mother.

Who were the major influences in Marcus Aurelius' life?

Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto were major influences in Aurelius' life, with Fronto becoming a lifelong friend and correspondent.

How did Marcus Aurelius become part of the imperial family?

Aurelius was adopted by Hadrian Antoninus, who insisted that Antoninus name young Marcus and Lucius Verus as his sons and heirs, leading to Aurelius taking the name Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus.

What was the relationship between Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus?

Lucius Verus was Aurelius' co-emperor. Despite their different upbringings and personalities, Aurelius insisted on respecting Hadrian's wishes and having Verus confirmed as co-emperor.

What were some of the challenges Marcus Aurelius faced as a ruler?

Aurelius faced challenges such as balancing his philosophical beliefs with the responsibilities of the court, dealing with Verus' extravagant spending and financial gifts to the military, and managing the Parthian War and the Germanic Wars.

What is the significance of 'Meditations' in Marcus Aurelius' life and legacy?

'Meditations' is a personal journal that Marcus Aurelius kept, which reflects his Stoic philosophy. It was not intended for publication but has become a famous work that showcases his beliefs and his approach to life and governance.

How did Marcus Aurelius' philosophy influence his policies?

Aurelius' Stoic beliefs influenced his policies, leading to reforms that protected the poor, orphaned, and freed slaves, and the re-evaluation of currency. His philosophy also guided his approach to the new religious sect of Christianity.

What was the outcome of Marcus Aurelius' reign?

Aurelius' reign was marked by efficient and just governance, and he was listed as one of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. He was deified after his death and is remembered for his philosophical writings, his just rule, and his loyalty to family.

How did Marcus Aurelius die?

Marcus Aurelius died of natural causes while on campaign during the Germanic Wars on March 17, 180, at the age of 58.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Early Life and Philosophical Influences of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, was born in Spain to an aristocratic family. He was educated in philosophy, particularly Stoicism, which emphasized living simply and embracing nature's course. Despite his mother's insistence on a more conventional lifestyle, Aurelius maintained his philosophical pursuits. His early education and relationships with influential teachers like Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto shaped his character. He was later adopted into the imperial family and prepared for a life of public service.

05:06

🏛️ Co-Emperorship and Challenges with Lucius Verus

Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus became co-emperors in 161. Aurelius, a more responsible and efficient administrator, focused on administrative affairs and war efforts, while Verus led military campaigns. Despite Verus's lavish spending and questionable decisions, Aurelius respected the wishes of his predecessor, Hadrian. Aurelius's reign saw diplomatic ties with China, legal reforms, and currency re-evaluation. He also dealt with natural disasters and the plague, which claimed Verus's life in 169. Aurelius continued to rule until he made his son Commodus co-emperor in 177.

10:11

📖 Philosophical Legacy and Reign of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius's devotion to philosophy was lifelong, as reflected in his work 'Meditations'. His Stoic beliefs influenced his rule, considering everything in life as part of a universal 'logos'. He approached life's events with acceptance, viewing them as ultimately good. His reign was marked by justice and efficiency, and he was recognized as a philosopher-king. Despite criticisms of his family loyalty, particularly in choosing Commodus as his successor, Aurelius's reign is praised for its adherence to philosophical principles and its impact on Roman history.

Keywords

💡Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was the Roman Emperor and a philosopher, known as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. His reign was marked by his philosophical writings, particularly 'Meditations', and his adherence to Stoic principles. In the video, his life and legacy are explored, highlighting his influence on Roman history and philosophy.

💡Five Good Emperors

The Five Good Emperors refers to a series of Roman rulers who were known for their effective and just governance. Marcus Aurelius is celebrated as the final emperor in this list, which includes Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius. The video discusses how Aurelius' rule was considered a high point in Rome's greatness.

💡Philosopher

A philosopher is someone who studies and practices philosophy, which is the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Marcus Aurelius was not only an emperor but also a Stoic philosopher, as evidenced by his work 'Meditations'. His philosophical beliefs influenced his approach to governance and personal life, as detailed in the video.

💡Stoicism

Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. Marcus Aurelius was a proponent of Stoicism, and his personal journal 'Meditations' reflects Stoic principles, such as the acceptance of life's natural events and the belief in the 'logos' or universal reason.

💡Meditations

'Meditations' is a personal journal written by Marcus Aurelius, which has become a famous philosophical text. It contains his thoughts on life, governance, and Stoic philosophy. The video mentions 'Meditations' as a key work that showcases Aurelius' philosophical beliefs and his approach to being a ruler.

💡Logos

In Stoic philosophy, 'logos' refers to the divine, rational principle that governs the universe. Marcus Aurelius believed in the concept of 'logos', which is evident in his 'Meditations'. He saw everything in life as part of a larger, rational order, and this belief influenced his decisions as an emperor.

💡Public Service

Public service refers to the work done in the interest of the public, typically by government officials. Marcus Aurelius was prepared for a career in public service from a young age, as his mother arranged for him to study rhetoric and oratory. His dedication to public service is highlighted in the video as a key aspect of his life and reign.

💡Parthian War

The Parthian War was a conflict between the Roman Empire and the Parthian Empire. In the video, it is mentioned that Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus faced the Parthian War early in their joint reign, with Verus leading the troops in Syria while Aurelius managed administrative affairs in Rome.

💡Germanic Wars

The Germanic Wars were a series of conflicts between the Roman Empire and various Germanic tribes. The video discusses how Aurelius directed the troops in the Germanic Wars, showcasing his role as a military leader despite his lack of prior military experience.

💡Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The video touches on Aurelius' policy towards Christianity, noting that while he did not issue decrees against Christians, the persecution of Christians occurred under his reign, but without his direct approval.

💡Co-emperor

A co-emperor is a ruler who shares the title and responsibilities of the imperial office with another emperor. The video explains that Marcus Aurelius initially ruled alongside Lucius Verus as co-emperor, a decision that he later regretted due to Verus' extravagant spending and lack of suitability for the role.

Highlights

Marcus Aurelius was the final of the Five Good Emperors of Rome and a prominent philosopher.

He was born in Spain on April 26, 121 CE to an aristocratic family.

Marcus Aurelius was introduced to philosophical texts in his early teens, likely on Cynic Philosophy.

He adopted a Cynic lifestyle, which his mother later encouraged him to abandon for public service.

Aurelius had influential teachers, including Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto.

He was married to Ceionia Fabia and later to Faustina, daughter of Antoninus Pius.

Marcus Aurelius was groomed for political affairs by Antoninus Pius.

He became co-emperor with Lucius Verus in 161.

Aurelius was the more responsible and efficient administrator compared to Verus.

He directed war efforts and administrative affairs, including the Parthian War and the Germanic Wars.

Aurelius' reign saw the establishment of diplomatic ties with China and reformation of Roman law policies.

His work 'Meditations' reflects his Stoic Philosophy and personal beliefs.

Aurelius is considered the closest to Plato's ideal of a philosopher-king.

He continued policies protecting Christian civil rights despite some criticism for Christian persecution.

Aurelius died of natural causes in 180 and was deified after his death.

His reign is praised for its efficiency, justice, and philosophical depth.

Aurelius' loyalty to family, particularly in choosing co-emperors, is seen as a potential weakness.

He is best known for his 'Meditations', just reign, and being the last of the Five Good Emperors.

Transcripts

Did you know that the Roman Emperor  Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher? [Music]

Hello and welcome to World History Encyclopedia!  My name is Kelly, and today's video is all about  

the final of the Five Good Emperors of Rome,  who was also a prominent philosopher during his  

life. Today, we are going to explore the life and  legacy of Marcus Aurelius, last of the Five Good  

Emperors of Rome. Don't forget, the easiest way  to support us is by giving this video a thumbs up,  

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Your support helps us create videos twice a week,  so make sure to check it out via the pop-up in  

the top corner of the screen or via the Patreon  link down below. [Music] Marcus Aurelius was born  

in Spain, then a province of the Roman Empire,  on the 26th of April 121 CE to an aristocratic  

family and was named Marcus Annius Verus after his  father. His father and mother, Domitia Lucilla,  

also known as Domitia Calvilla, both came from  upper class politically connected families and  

after his father died in 124, Aurelius was  raised by his grandfathers and nurses, mainly  

though his mother remained a strong influence  and guide. He was given the best education  

available and in his early teens, was introduced  to philosophical texts by one of his teachers.  

These books were most likely on Cynic  Philosophy which claimed that living simply  

without possessions was the path to true freedom  in life. Aurelius adopted the cynic lifestyle,  

dressing in a rough cloak, eating simple foods,  and sleeping on the floor of his room until  

his mother forced him to abandon this path and  returned to his studies in rhetoric and oratory  

in preparation for a career in public service.  His mother found him new teachers, including  

Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto, who  became major influencers in the young man's life.  

Aurelius and Fronto became lifelong friends and  continue to correspondence until Fronto's death.  

After completing his studies, a marriage  was arranged for him with Ceionia Fabia,  

daughter of the highly respected politician  Lucius Commodus, better known as Lucius  

Aelius and the sister of Lucius Verus, who  would later become Aurelius' co-emperor.

Aurelius grew up during the reign of Hadrian,  his uncle by marriage, who adopted Lucius Alias  

as his son and heir. When Aelius died in 138,  Hadrian adopted Aurelius Antoninus, later known  

as Antoninus Pius, who was also Marcus Aurelius'  uncle by marriage. As part of the adoption,  

Hadrian insisted that Antoninus name young Marcus  and Lucius Verus as his sons and heirs and at this  

time, the young man took the name of his adopted  father Aurelius and was then known as Marcus  

Aelius Aurelius Verus. Marcus was forced to move  away from his family and was taken under care by  

Anoninus, who groomed him in political affairs.  When Hadrian died in July 138, Anoninus ascended  

to the throne and observed all of Hadrian's  wishes so carefully and respectfully that he  

was given the name Pius. He requested Marcus break  off his engagement to Fabia and then had him marry  

his daughter Faustina to further join their two  houses. During this time, Marcus Aurelius served  

as Consul and performed administrative tasks  while being prepared by Antoninus for rule.  

In Aurelius' 'Meditations", his personal journal,  he notes how difficult this was for him as he  

tried to balance his philosophical beliefs  with the responsibilities of the court. When  

Antoninus died of natural causes in 161, Aurelius  became co-emperor with Lucius Verus. [Music]  

Where Aurelius had been carefully prepared  by his grandfathers and mother for public  

life and then in administration by  Anoninus, Verus had a more liberal  

upbringing and enjoyed lavish parties,  hunting, gladiatorial games and sports.  

The Senate decided against confirming Verus as  co-emperor as he did not seem suited for the  

position, but Aurelius insisted that the wishes  of Hadrian be respected and refused to take office  

unless Verus was confirmed. Aurelius seems  to have later regretted his decision as Verus  

made extravagant financial gifts to the military  and debased the currency to do so, in addition  

to hosting expensive parties and sponsoring  games in the arena. Aurelius was clearly the  

more responsible and efficient administrator,  but both emperors were popular with the people.  

Soon after their confirmation in 161, the Parthian  War broke out, and Verus was chosen to lead the  

troops in Syria while Aurelius remained in Rome  as the sole authority. Unlike earlier emperors,  

Aurelius had never served in the military  and was always in poorer health than Verus,  

so Verus was the obvious choice. It could  be, though, that Aurelius encouraged Verus'  

departure to stop him from throwing extravagant  parties and staging expensive sporting events.  

While Verus was on campaign, Aurelius tended to  administrative affairs and directed war efforts.  

Although the establishment of diplomatic ties  with China is often attributed to Antoninus,  

it most likely took place under Aurelius, as  did the reformation of Roman law policies to  

protect the poor, orphaned and freed slaves and  the re-evaluation of currency. He also directed  

the troops in the Germanic Wars and dealt with  floods, famine and the plague which killed Verus  

in 169. Afterwards, Aurelius reigned alone until  he made his son Commodus co-emperor in 177. He  

ruled so efficiently and justly that he was listed  as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome by  

the 16th-century Italian diplomat and philosopher  Niccolo Machiavelli in Book 1, chapter 10 of his  

"Discourses on Livy" who cited the reigns of  Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian Antoninus Pius and Marcus  

Aurelius as the height of Rome's greatness,  an estimation still held by modern historians.  

[Music] Aurelius' early devotion to philosophy  remained a constant throughout his life,  

as evidenced by his famous work "Meditations",  a personal journal he kept which he never  

intended for publication. Aurelius' name is so  closely associated with philosophy that he is  

frequently cited by scholars as the closest  to Plato's ideal vision of the philosopher  

king as described in "Republic". "The ruler  who exercises power for the greater good,  

not for his own ambition." Throughout  "Meditations," Aurelius comments on  

various aspects of his life and existence  in general in light of Stoic Philosophy,  

which held there was a universal force the  'logos' running through and binding all things.  

According to the Stoic view, everything that  happened in life was natural and ultimately good,  

and it is only one's interpretation of events  that causes one to define them as bad or tragic.  

Aurelius' philosophy is epitomized in Book 4,  chapter 23 of "Meditations", where he writes:  

"If it is good to you, O Universe, it is good to  me. Your harmony is mine. Whatever time you choose  

is the right time. Not late, not early. What the  turn of your seasons brings me falls like ripe  

fruit. All things are born from you, exist in you,  return to you." That Aurelius lived his beliefs is  

clear from many events in his life, but especially  after the death of his seven-year-old son Annius.  

Aurelius mourned his loss but refused to take  a break from his responsibilities or cancel  

public events. His philosophy also directed  his policies toward the new religious sect of  

Christianity. Although he has been criticised  for persecuting the Christians, there is no  

evidence he issued any decree approving of  or encouraging any such action. Antoninus had  

issued decrees protecting Christian civil rights,  and Aurelius continued his policies, as evidenced  

by a letter from the Bishop Melito of Sardis.  The persecution of Christians under Aurelius'  

reign was carried out by general governors  in the provinces without Aurelius' approval.

Aurelius died of natural causes while on campaign  during the Germanic Wars on the 17th of March 180,  

at the age of 58. Today, he is probably best known  for his depiction in the popular film 'Gladiator',  

but his cause of death in the movie  is fictionalised, as is the life of  

the senator and general Marcus Nonius Macrinus,  the model for the character of Maximus. Aurelius  

was deified after his death, and his reign nearly  universally praised by historians from his time up  

to the present. His loyalty to family, however,  proved a weakness in his insistence on Verus as  

co-emperor and his choice of Commodus as co-ruler  and heir. Commodus, as depicted fairly accurately  

in 'Gladiator', was an ineffective emperor and  nothing like his father, who was remembered for  

his philosophical meditations, his just reign and  as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome.  

Do you agree that Aurelius' loyalty to family  was a weakness? Let us know what you think  

in the comments below! If you enjoyed this  video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and  

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