[147], After Antoninus died in 161, Marcus was effectively sole ruler of the Empire. In contrast to their behaviour during Antoninus's campaign to deify Hadrian, the senate did not oppose the emperors' wishes. But for my part, I admire him all the more for this very reason, that amid unusual and extraordinary difficulties he both survived himself and preserved the empire. 26 editions of Marcus Aurelius’ writings were published in the 17th century, 58 in the 18th century. a man of his time, rooted in his pagan culture, and a fine representative [145] He then turned over, as if going to sleep, and died. Farquharson, «The Meditations» …, 2 vols., Oxford, 1944, is the leading contemporary scholar of the Emperor in the English language. pious god-talk brings to mind Benedictus de Spinoza. Alan Klinkhoff Gallery is a Canadian fine art corporation located in Montreal and Toronto.A member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada, the firm provides acquisition and evaluation services for collectors, as well as exhibitions and sales of Canadian art by such artists as Paul-Émile Borduas, Emily Carr, Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Lawren Harris, A.Y. The most important group of sources, the biographies contained in the Historia Augusta, claimed to be written by a group of authors at the turn of the 4th century AD, but it is believed they were in fact written by a single author (referred to here as 'the biographer') from about 395 AD. to ensnare us through our eyes, belly, and folly. [58] Marcus reportedly greeted the news that Hadrian had become his adoptive grandfather with sadness, instead of joy. [40], Marcus was educated at home, in line with contemporary aristocratic trends;[41] he thanks Catilius Severus for encouraging him to avoid public schools. 71–79. This new impetus westwards was probably due to attacks from tribes further east. Today’s political scoundrels have When he criticized the insincerity of conventional language, Fronto took to defend it. of villages and mores in the name of laissez-faire, the Emperor had really [280][note 17] Roman coins from the reigns of Tiberius to Aurelian have been found in Xi'an, China (site of the Han capital Chang'an), although the far greater amount of Roman coins in India suggests the Roman maritime trade for purchasing Chinese silk was centred there, not in China or even the overland Silk Road running through Persia. also impress the reader—this reader—as sincere, which Modern scholars have not offered as positive an assessment. He believed Marcus was 'beginning to feel the wish to be eloquent once more, in spite of having for a time lost interest in eloquence'. the recognition of a human civitas, or civilized hierarchy under the law The Antonine Plague broke out in 165 or 166 and devastated the population of the Roman Empire, causing the deaths of five million people. '[212] He encouraged Marcus to rest, calling on the example of his predecessors (Antoninus had enjoyed exercise in the palaestra, fishing, and comedy),[213] going so far as to write up a fable about the gods' division of the day between morning and evening – Marcus had apparently been spending most of his evenings on judicial matters instead of at leisure. In. [175] Fronto's son-in-law, Gaius Aufidius Victorinus, was appointed governor of Germania Superior. Perhaps, not by chance [101] His prayers for Fronto's health were more than conventional, because Fronto was frequently ill; at times, he seems to be an almost constant invalid, always suffering[102] – about one-quarter of the surviving letters deal with the man's sicknesses. [82] Little is specifically known of the ceremony, but the biographer calls it 'noteworthy'. Marcus, with his preference for the philosophic life, found the imperial office unappealing. Fun, Games & Movie Links Delivery by. The campaign had lasted only three days. The Column of Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna. [241], Occupied Armenia was reconstructed on Roman terms. labyrinth to the Wisdom of the ancient Stoa. Marcus made some show of resistance: the biographer writes that he was 'compelled' to take imperial power. [59], At some time in 138, Hadrian requested in the senate that Marcus be exempt from the law barring him from becoming quaestor before his twenty-fourth birthday. Stoicism influenced Christianity. Wife of M. Annius Libo: Levick (2014), p. 163. He started nibbling on dry bread to give him the strength to stay awake through his morning receptions. [33][note 2] Though he can hardly have known his father, Marcus wrote in his Meditations that he had learnt 'modesty and manliness' from his memories of his father and the man's posthumous reputation. Languages 1965. Marcus goes on to request the senate desist from earlier courses of Christian persecution by Rome.[302]. The extent to which Marcus himself directed, encouraged, or was aware of these persecutions is unclear and much debated by historians. There is a double claim on the Emperor’s stoic soul: He and Faustina, Marcus wrote, had been 'pretty occupied' with the girl's care. Le Marc-Aurèle est le tout nouveau milieu de vie signé Groupe Patrimoine. Take, for example, spirituality, if the terms is applicable—in spite of all appearances, all matters and instances of excellence of understanding and knowledge concerning Needless to say, from this «Natura Marcus and Lucius gave the crisis their personal attention. A first invasion of the Chatti in the province of Germania Superior was repulsed in 162. The Emperor argues for social interaction with principles that underline His daughters were in Rome with their great-great-aunt Matidia; Marcus thought the evening air of the country was too cold for them. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them. Marcus took the Parthicus Maximus now, after another tactful delay. [286], Marcus died at the age of 58 on 17 March 180 due to unknown causes in near military quarters near the city of Sirmium in Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica). Instead, Marcus was in the care of 'nurses',[36] and was raised after his father's death by his grandfather Marcus Annius Verus (II), who had always retained the legal authority of patria potestas over his son and grandson. [87] This was the age of the Second Sophistic, a renaissance in Greek letters. [130] Another son, Tiberius Aelius Antoninus, was born in 152. [275] In 168, he revalued the denarius, increasing the silver purity from 79% to 82% – the actual silver weight increasing from 2.57–2.67 g (0.091–0.094 oz). ', p. 69. Now heir to the throne, Marcus studied Greek and Latin under tutors such as Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto. Cette fiche propose une analyse approfondie de la philosophie de Marc Aurèle, avec sa biographie, le contexte philosophique dans lequel il s'inscrit, l'analyse détaillée de sa pensée et une synthèse de ce qu'il faut en retenir. and object of valuable intellectual awareness. The principles of the Emperor—his He sent a note to the imperial freedman Charilas, asking if he could call on the emperors. [64] For his dutiful behaviour, Antoninus was asked to accept the name 'Pius'. Help. Then, like every new emperor since Claudius, Lucius promised the troops a special donative. His training as a Stoic, however, had made the choice clear to him that it was his duty. Writing to Fronto, he declared that he would not speak about his holiday. Birley, 'Hadrian to the Antonines', p. 163, citing. [317], The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome is the only Roman equestrian statue which has survived into the modern period. Marcus's grandfather owned a palace beside the Lateran, where he would spend much of his childhood. Husband of Rupilia Faustina: Levick (2014), p. 163. Just one thing prevented him from being completely happy, namely, that after rearing and educating his son in the best possible way he was vastly disappointed in him. [236] He only accompanied the group as far as Brundisium, where they boarded a ship for the east. [252], Cassius's army, although suffering from a shortage of supplies and the effects of a plague contracted in Seleucia, made it back to Roman territory safely. In modern editions of Fronto's works, it is labeled De bello Parthico (On the Parthian War). Marcus Aurelius’ writings disappeared [267], The Costoboci, coming from the Carpathian area, invaded Moesia, Macedonia, and Greece. [297], "Alone of the emperors, he gave proof of his learning not by mere words or knowledge of philosophical doctrines but by his blameless character and temperate way of life."[298]. He decreased the silver purity of the denarius from 83.5% to 79% – the silver weight dropping from 2.68 g (0.095 oz) to 2.57 g (0.091 oz). In turn, Antoninus adopted Marcus and Lucius, the son of Aelius. of Marcus Aurelius’ reign. [47] Marcus thanks Alexander for his training in literary styling. If not for his adoption, he probably would have become triumvir monetalis, a highly regarded post involving token administration of the state mint; after that, he could have served as tribune with a legion, becoming the legion's nominal second-in-command. [106] Fronto replied that he was surprised to discover Marcus counted Atticus as a friend (perhaps Atticus was not yet Marcus's tutor), and allowed that Marcus might be correct,[107] but nonetheless affirmed his intent to win the case by any means necessary: '[T]he charges are frightful and must be spoken of as frightful. Technically this was not an adoption, the creation of a new and different patria potestas. [222][note 15] Whatever the case, the senate gave its assent, and, in the summer of 162, Lucius left. [75] But he felt drowned in paperwork and complained to his tutor, Marcus Cornelius Fronto: 'I am so out of breath from dictating nearly thirty letters'. They London: Routledge, 1968. weakness when he discourses on a disconnect between the external realm of Barnes, 'Hadrian and Lucius Verus', p. 68. Roman emperor from 161 to 180, philosopher, The dissolute Syrian army spent more time in, Marcus Aurelius receiving the submission of the vanquished, with raised. He was there with his wife and children (another child had stayed with Fronto and his wife in Rome). The first translation to any vernacular to the transitory force of time. [110] Marcus had grown tired of his exercises, of taking positions in imaginary debates. [285] Raoul McLaughlin writes that the travel of Roman subjects to the Han Chinese court in 166 may have started a new era of Roman–Far East trade. 5: 156). Marcus married Antoninus's daughter Faustina in 145. [98] Fronto put an uncharitable interpretation of Marcus's 'conversion to philosophy': 'In the fashion of the young, tired of boring work', Marcus had turned to philosophy to escape the constant exercises of oratorical training. The Emperor’s Then another: the girl alone. 'When Glass Was Treasured in China'. [4], A body of correspondence between Marcus's tutor Fronto and various Antonine officials survives in a series of patchy manuscripts, covering the period from c. 138 to 166. [192] One of those kings, Vologases IV of Parthia, made his move in late summer or early autumn 161. While on campaign between 170 and 180, Marcus wrote his Meditations in Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. [135] Lucius had no other titles, except that of 'son of Augustus'. an unctuous Protestant hymn. [220], Over the winter of 161–162, news that a rebellion was brewing in Syria arrived and it was decided that Lucius should direct the Parthian war in person. Hadrian died that year and Antoninus became emperor. Clinical Supervisor, Occupational Therapy. Pay by. The infants were buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, where their epitaphs survive. Ackermann, Schroeder, Terry, Lo Upshur and Whitters, p. 39. Lucius, who had just come to Rome, asked the Emperor, whom he met on his way, where he was going to and on what errand, and Marcus answered, ' it is good even for an old man to learn; I am now on my way to Sextus the philosopher to learn what I do not yet know.' It is impossible to be a stoic in our time. 'I have duties hanging over me that can hardly be begged off', he wrote back. [57] Marcus became M. Aelius Aurelius Verus, and Lucius became L. Aelius Aurelius Commodus. A History of Philosophy. Marc-Aurèle, le dernier des 12 caésars. His monument in Florence, a worthy Lucius Catilius Severus, described as Marcus's maternal great-grandfather, also participated in his upbringing; he was probably the elder Domitia Lucilla's stepfather. There had been reverses in Rome's past, Fronto writes,[219] but in the end, Romans had always prevailed over their enemies: 'Always and everywhere [Mars] has changed our troubles into successes and our terrors into triumphs'. Découvrez la biographie de Marc-Aurèle, ainsi que des anecdotes, des citations de Marc-Aurèle, des livres, des photos et vidéos. Early life (121–161 AD) Lucius Dasumius Tullius Tuscus, a distant relative of Hadrian, was in Upper Pannonia, succeeding the experienced Marcus Nonius Macrinus. [150] Thus, although the senate planned to confirm Marcus alone, he refused to take office unless Lucius received equal powers. [250] A second force, under Avidius Cassius and the III Gallica, moved down the Euphrates, and fought a major battle at Dura. There has been far too much [79] Marcus had complained of an illness in an earlier letter: 'As far as my strength is concerned, I am beginning to get it back; and there is no trace of the pain in my chest. Edessa was re-occupied, and Mannus, the king deposed by the Parthians, was re-installed. After Hadrian's adoptive son, Aelius Caesar, died in 138, the emperor adopted Marcus's uncle Antoninus Pius as his new heir. integrity, and piety. Do I not know that you went to Alsium with the intention of devoting yourself to games, joking, and complete leisure for four whole days? All philosophies, all moral enquiries Birley, 'Hadrian to the Antonines', pp. At Hadrian's request, Antoninus's daughter Faustina was betrothed to Lucius. [83] Coins were issued with the heads of the couple, and Antoninus, as Pontifex Maximus, would have officiated. Thelma M. (Bourke) Marc-Aurele, 85, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 11, with her beloved family by her side. As the biographer wrote, 'No one missed the lenient ways of Pius'. [122], On 30 November 147, Faustina gave birth to a girl named Domitia Faustina. [232] Lucilla's thirteenth birthday was in March 163; whatever the date of her marriage, she was not yet fifteen. P. Julius Geminius Marcianus, an African senator commanding X Gemina at Vindobona (Vienna), left for Cappadocia with detachments from the Danubian legions. Accession of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus (161), Trade with Han China and outbreak of plague. [108] The outcome of the trial is unknown. [195], Convinced by the prophet Alexander of Abonutichus that he could defeat the Parthians easily and win glory for himself,[196] Severianus led a legion (perhaps the IX Hispana[197]) into Armenia, but was trapped by the great Parthian general Chosrhoes at Elegeia, a town just beyond the Cappadocian frontiers, high up past the headwaters of the Euphrates. Marcus Servilius Fabianus Maximus was shuffled from Lower Moesia to Upper Moesia when Marcus Iallius Bassus had joined Lucius in Antioch. The hope has become a reality. A coin issue celebrates fecunditati Augustae, 'the Augusta's fertility', depicting two girls and an infant. Lucius Verus may have died from the plague in 169. The senate complied, and Marcus served under Antoninus, the consul for 139. Marcus probably would have opted for travel and further education instead. waning of Christianity, which, in spite of Roman pontiffs and Protestant [170], Soon after the emperors' accession, Marcus's eleven-year-old daughter, Annia Lucilla, was betrothed to Lucius (in spite of the fact that he was, formally, her uncle). [158] This donative, however, was twice the size of those past: 20,000 sesterces (5,000 denarii) per capita, with more to officers. The boy did not survive long, as evidenced by coins from 156, only depicting the two girls. Pulleyblank, Edwin G.; Leslie, D. D.; Gardiner, K. H. J. [111] In any case, Marcus's formal education was now over. Birley, 'Hadrian to the Antonines', p. 164. Birley, 'Hadrian to the Antonines', p. 156. Marcus.” The Catholic Encyclopedia (1907) 2: 109-111). Marcus and his cousin-wife Faustina had at least 13 children during their 30-year marriage,[123][303] including two sets of twins. He would read imperial letters to the senate when Antoninus was absent and would do secretarial work for the senators. [44] A new set of tutors – the Homeric scholar Alexander of Cotiaeum along with Trosius Aper and Tuticius Proculus, teachers of Latin[45][note 3] – took over Marcus's education in about 132 or 133. [6] The main narrative source for the period is Cassius Dio, a Greek senator from Bithynian Nicaea who wrote a history of Rome from its founding to 229 in eighty books. [160], In accordance with his will, Antoninus's fortune passed on to Faustina. Bible thumpers, has been in a decline since the seventeenth century. 1977. page 37). '[181] Marcus's early reign proceeded smoothly; he was able to give himself wholly to philosophy and the pursuit of popular affection. [72], Antoninus demanded that Marcus reside in the House of Tiberius, the imperial palace on the Palatine, and take up the habits of his new station, the aulicum fastigium or 'pomp of the court', against Marcus's objections. It drowned many animals, leaving the city in famine. The act and object of awareness As tribune, he had the right to bring one measure before the senate after the four Antoninus could introduce. The individual, «civis romanus» —Roman citizen—serves [185][note 13] In other times of famine, the emperors are said to have provided for the Italian communities out of the Roman granaries. Pulleyblank, Leslie and Gardiner, pp. He told himself it was an attainable goal – 'Where life is possible, then it is possible to live the right life; life is possible in a palace, so it is possible to live the right life in a palace'[73] – but he found it difficult nonetheless. In 164, a new capital, Kaine Polis ('New City'), replaced Artaxata. Madrid, 1974) Le biographe de Marc Aurèle raconte que Faustine la Jeune, l’épouse de ce dernier, s’était amourachée d’un gladiateur. He was a man suited for a time of military crisis. He had been consul once more than Lucius, he had shared in Antoninus's rule, and he alone was Pontifex Maximus. At some time between 155 and 161, probably soon after 155, Marcus's mother Domitia Lucilla died. If the gods are willing we seem to have a hope of recovery. strictly one way. He seeks The Emperor anticipates Nietzsche’s «amor fati», also Pope John 1975 quotes from Marcus Aurelius: 'You have power over your mind - not outside events. The formalities of the position would follow. 'The Roman Empire as Known to Han China'. His second modern editor, Champlin notes that Marcus's praise of Rusticus in the, Although part of the biographer's account of Lucius is fictionalized (probably to mimic Nero, whose birthday Lucius shared, These name-swaps have proven so confusing that even the. Trans. '[178] Fronto called on Marcus alone; neither thought to invite Lucius. notion of Christian logomachy—providence, universal brotherhood, [2] The later biographies and the biographies of subordinate emperors and usurpers are unreliable, but the earlier biographies, derived primarily from now-lost earlier sources (Marius Maximus or Ignotus), are much more accurate. It survives as the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. [156] As the biographer wrote, 'Verus obeyed Marcus...as a lieutenant obeys a proconsul or a governor obeys the emperor'. [174] Lucius Volusius Maecianus, Marcus's former tutor, had been prefectural governor of Egypt at Marcus's accession. Marc Aurel Online. The transition motif has been used to describe This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. Sister of Trajan's father: Giacosa (1977), p. 7.