121-180 A.D.
Marcus Aurelius, who assumed power in 161 A.D., was the fifth of the "Adoptive Emperors", the Golden Age of the Empire under the emperors Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and himself. Unfortunately, Marcus Aurelius broke with the tradition of adopting the best man for the job, and passed the Empire on to his own son; the dynasty soon came to an end. Marcus ruled during difficult times; famine and plague hurt Rome within, and barbarians were pushing back the borders from without. Marcus Aurelius is best known as the philosopher-emperor who wrote down his "meditations" in Greek; they are among the best examples of Stoic philosophy which we have.
Student Work: Mark, Kelly
Ancient Source: Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
