Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors, and is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers.
He ruled from 161 until his death in 180 CE, during which time he fought off invasions from Germanic tribes, but is perhaps best known for his Meditations: a collection of personal writings found in a manuscript from the 4th century CE.
Aurelius was born on 26 April 121 CE in Rome as Marcus Annius Verus. His father was an aristocrat and high-ranking senator, and his mother was Julia Flavia; she came from a family with connections to the imperial family. Marcus had two brothers, both of whom would go on to become emperors themselves (ruling as Lucius Verus and Commodus).
Emperor’s education began early on – he learned Greek at age 5, Latin at age 7 and rhetoric at age 9. His parents were strict disciplinarians who expected excellence from their son and placed great emphasis on academic achievement. In this way they instilled in him the virtues that would guide him throughout his life: discipline, honesty, diligence and self-control – all qualities found in his Meditations book”. In 169 CE, Marcus Aurelius married Faustina the Younger who bore him 13 children including Lucilla, Commodus and Annia Galeria Faustina.
