Everything Everywhere Daily Marcus Aurelius: Emperor and Philosopher
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Mar 22, 2025 Discover the fascinating life of Marcus Aurelius, from his philosophical upbringing to becoming a co-emperor during a time of peace. Explore the challenges he faced during his reign, including the Parthian invasion and the devastating Antonine Plague. Delve into his contributions as the last of the good emperors and the impact of his writings, particularly 'Meditations.' Uncover how his timeless wisdom on life and death continues to inspire authenticity and rationality in our modern world.
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Marcus Aurelius's Rise to Power
- Marcus Aurelius, born in 121 AD, became emperor in 161 AD.
- He defied tradition by sharing power with his adopted brother, Lucius Verus.
Unprecedented Co-Emperorship
- Marcus insisted on sharing power with Lucius Verus, creating a co-emperorship.
- This was unprecedented, as the throne was highly contested.
The Antonine Plague
- The Antonine Plague, likely smallpox, ravaged the Roman Empire during Marcus Aurelius's reign.
- It killed a significant portion of the population, straining resources and disrupting life.
