Marcus Aurelius was born (121 – 180) in Rome. He was born in a powerful and wealthy Roman family which had consolidated its political power. Emperor Hadrian chose his uncle Aurelius Antonius to be the next emperor, and Antonius ruled (138-161). Antonius, in turn, chose two young men to succeed him. One was Lucius Verus, and the other one was Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180. He is considered one of the five good Emperors and the last Emperor of the period known as Pax Romana – the age of relative peace in the Roman Empire. He is best remembered for his Meditations – which is an exposition of Stoic philosophy. It includes advice on how to live purposefully and harmoniously within the vaster universe. It also reminds us that death is ever-present, and we are put a small part of the greater universe. Although Emperor, Marcus wished to avoid the dictatorial tendencies of a Caesar, and he is often held up as a wise and just ruler.
