Marcus Aurelius The Five Good Emperors

Despite the circumstances, the reign of Marcus Aurelius was relatively successful, and thus, is appropriately referred to with the phrase “the five good emperors”. As even though such a term is partially subjective, the selflessness and benevolent nature of Aurelius lead him to bring further peace and prosperity to Rome. Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome in the 26th of April 121AD as Catilius Severus to the three-time consul, and prefect of Hadrian, Annius Verus, and Domitia Lucilla, the daughter of a former consular. (Historia Augusta) At the age of six, he would attract the interest of Hadrian by the frankness of his character, who would nickname him ‘Verissimus’ (meaning most true, or sincere). From an early age Aurelius was educated by the best teachers as prescribed by Hadrian, discovering philosophy, more specifically stoicism, and becoming greatly devoted to his study. (Roman Emperors) He also received numerous honours by Hadrian, such as being enrolled as an equestrian at the age of six, and becoming a priest in the Salian brotherhood at

As it seems he was a man of unique benevolence, generosity and forgivingness, yet had the intellect to make just and informed decisions. He acted as benefactor for the people in times of tragedy, but was his generosity to the people of Rome was not merely limited to these times. He won several battles and the Parthian war, and improved the integrity of Rome. However, it must be conceded that he did have one very significant fault as an emperor. Which was going by the convention of adopting a successor, and instead naming his own son, Commodus, as successor. Who would in turn be one of the worst emperors of Rome, and ruin the line of the “five good emperors”. However, these acts of modesty with minimal faults, makes Marcus Aurelius deserving of the being called an “good