Aurelius Versus Lucius Verus

When antoninus died in march of one 61, after 23 years on the throne, a funny thing happened. All imperial authority would be transferred to and held solely by his capable son marcus. Marcus himself sent along word that there was a condition to his acceptance of aut ity and power. His brother lucius, whom hadrian had clearly meant to join marcus in the purple, must be granted the same authority and power. The history books point out that this was the first time the empire was ruled by co emperors,. which would become the norm in the coming century.