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Marcus Aurelius, born Marcus Annius Verus on April 26, 121 CE in Rome, was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who reigned from 161 to 180 CE. He is best known for his philosophical writings, particularly his work Meditations, which offers insights into Stoic philosophy and serves as a guide for personal conduct and ethical living.

Aurelius was born into a wealthy and prominent family; his education was overseen by the Emperor Hadrian, who recognized his potential. In 138 CE, he was adopted by Antoninus Pius, Hadrian’s successor, which set him on the path to becoming emperor. He became co-emperor with Lucius Verus in 161 CE, but after Verus’s death in 169 CE, Aurelius ruled alone.

His reign was marked by military conflicts, including wars against the Parthian Empire and Germanic tribes along the northern borders of the empire. These challenges were compounded by a devastating plague that affected the Roman population. Despite these difficulties, Aurelius is remembered for his commitment to duty and his philosophical reflections on leadership and virtue.

Meditations, written during his military campaigns, is a series of personal writings that reflect his thoughts on Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of reason, self-discipline, and moral integrity. The work has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and continues to be studied for its insights into human behavior and ethics.

Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 CE in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna) while on campaign. His legacy as a philosopher-king is celebrated for embodying the principles of Stoicism and for his efforts to govern with wisdom and virtue. He appointed his son Commodus as his successor, a choice that would later be criticized due to Commodus’s contrasting character and leadership style. Marcus Aurelius is often regarded as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome, marking the end of a period of relative peace and stability in the empire.