Marcus Aurelia's Triumphal Column Belt

Marcus Aurelius' meditations were written in Greek for the Emperor's Eyes Alone. The book of sayings has been lauded by scholars not only for its insights into the human condition, but also because it is one of the first examples of honest, personal, philosophic reflection. Ironically, the continued publication and citation of the meditations keeps Marcus Aurelia says one of the most identifiable of all Roman figures. This, for a man who looked so disdainfully on the vain glorious quest for posthumous fame, and who constantly reminded himself, how many who once rose to fame are now consigned to oblivion.