Royalty · Philosophy · Politics · AD 121–AD 180
Born: 26 April AD 121 · Died: 17 March AD 180 · Age at death: 58
Marcus Aurelius died aged 58. He was born on 26 April AD 121 and died on 17 March AD 180.
Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher whose private notebook, the Meditations, remains a widely read guide to living well
Did you know?His famous book, Meditations, was actually a private diary of his personal thoughts and was never intended for publication.
Marcus Aurelius is remembered as the closest Rome came to Plato's ideal of a philosopher king. He ruled during a difficult period of wars and plague, often writing his thoughts while on military campaigns. Those private notes, now known as the Meditations, offer advice on staying calm, doing one's duty and accepting what cannot be changed. The book has become a modern bestseller, popular with leaders, athletes and anyone seeking practical wisdom. His reign is often seen as the end of a golden age of Roman stability.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus ( or-EE-lee-əs; Latin:; 26 April 121 – 17 March 180) was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher.
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Profile
Roman emperor, born 121
Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome on 26 April 121.
He ruled Rome from 161 to 180.
He wrote the Meditations, a private book of Stoic thoughts.
He spent many years fighting on the Danube frontier.
Career highlights
Did you know?He wrote the Meditations in Greek, not Latin.
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