Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome in 121 AD. From 161 to 180, Aurelius was the 16th Emperor of the Roman Empire, ruling with co-emperor Lucius Verus until Verus’ death in 169. During his reign, Aurelius helped the Empire defeat the Parthian Empire. Aurelius also fought in central Europe in the Macromannic Wars. While on campaign between 170 and 180, Aurelius wrote Meditations, personal writings that presented his ideas on Stoic philosophy that are still revered today. Aurelius is considered the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” as well as one of the preeminent Stoic philosophers.