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Marcus Aurelius: Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus) was a Stoic philosopher and one of the 5 good Roman emperors (r. A.D. 161-180) who was born on April 26 (or 6 or 21), A.D.121. His philosophical writings are known as the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. He was considered the last of the five good emperors and was succeeded by his son the infamous Roman emperor Commodus. It was during the reign of Marcus Aurelius that the Marcomannic War broke out.
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Marcus Aurelius was the Roman emperor who wrote Meditations, a classic text of philosophy and history. Born into privilege, he was adopted by Roman emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161. Marcus ruled with his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus until 169, when Lucius died. As sole ruler, Marcus spent most of his reign warring with rebellious Parthians, Germans and Britons on the empire's frontier. He was known to be a humane ruler, despite his brutal persecution of the followers of Jesus Christ. While on campaign he wrote aphorisms and reflections for self guidance.
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In these personal reflections, the Roman emperor and second-century Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius discusses life, morality, duty, and community. Originally entitled "To Himself", the work did not surface until the fourth century, but it has inspired readers ever since.
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Roman Emperor and philosopher-at-heart Marcus Aurelius (April 26, 121 CE - March 17, 180 CE) must have certainly been familiar with Epicurean teachings. It is not known what sources, if any, he may have had available to him.
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The philosophy of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius can be found in a collection of personal writings known as the Meditations. These reflect the influence of Stoicism and, in particular, the philosophy of the Stoic Epictetus. The Meditations may be read as a series of practical philosophical exercises, following Epictetus' three topics of study, designed to digest and put into practice philosophical theory. Central to these exercises is a concern with the analysis of one's judgements and a desire to cultivate a "cosmic perspective."
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(Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus) (mär´ks ôr´ls)(KEY), 121180, Roman emperor, named originally Marcus Annius Verus. He was a nephew of Faustina, the wife of Antoninus Pius, who adopted him. Marcus married Antoninus daughter, another Faustina. From youth he was a diligent student and a zealous Stoic. With his adoptive brother, Lucius Verus, as colleague, Marcus succeeded Antoninus in 161. Verus allowed him to dominate, and from 169 Marcus was sole emperor.
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