Exploring Power Dynamics and Familial Relations in the Roman Empire

In the Roman Empire, Marcus exhibits an unprecedented act by giving half of his absolute power to Lucius Varys, who is not his blood relation but perceived as a kind of son or younger brother. This decision may have been influenced by Marcus observing Antoninus do the same with him for two decades. Lucius Varys is deemed a deputy co-emperor to Marcus, although Marcus is portrayed as the senior emperor. This dynamic of co-emperors mirrors the governance structure of the Roman Republic, where having two heads of state was a way to prevent autocracy and maintain a system of checks and balances.