Research Paper on "Marcus Aurelius"

Research Paper 4 pages (1253 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 a.D. To a wealthy and distinguished Roman family during height of the Empire's power and influence (Bunson). Due to the wealth and status of his family he had access to every educational opportunity. As a student, Marcus Aurelius was a dedicated and hard working and was trained in the classic Latin and Greek tradition. Part of his education was in philosophy and he eventually adopted the theories of stoicism. The Philosophy of Stoicism, which was originally developed by philosophers in Ancient Greece, emphasized fate, reason, and self-restraint. Marcus Aurelius was particularly influenced by the writings of the philosopher, Epictetus, who was a former slave who presented his thoughts in a book entitled, Discourses.

Because of his family background, Marcus Aurelius, was easily accepted into the political activities of the Roman Empire. After serving a number of years in the Senate, he became a Roman consul in 140. This would be the first of his three terms as consul but such service resulted in his receiving increasing more responsibilities and official powers in the Roman government. During this time, however, he continued his studies in philosophy and law which would serve him well as his power and influence expanded.

One of the side benefits enjoyed by Marcus Aurelius during his time in the Roman Senate was his being exposed to the watchful eyes of the Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian noticed that Marcus Aurelius was not only bright but also hard working. Hadrian took a special liking to Marcus and arranged for him to be adopted by the powerful Titus Aurelius Antoninus. The importance of this act by Hadrian was that it would eventually lead to Marcus Aurelius becoming named Emperor of the Roman Empire as Titus Aurelius Antoninus was Hadrian's hand-picked successor. Upon Titus' death, Marcus Aurelius and his brother, Lucius Aurelius Verus Augustus, succeeded their father as co-Emperor of the Roman Empire.

Marcus and his brother Verus were not blessed with the same peaceful conditions that had marked their father's reign. The entire joint reign of the two brothers was marked by war and disease. Shortly after assuming power, the Empire faced a challenge from the Parthian Empire for control of the eastern portion of the Roman Empire (Benario). In combating this challenge, Verus took command of the Roman military while Marcus remained in Rome to handle the political affairs. Verus actual command skills remain a question of debate but he was fortunately blessed with several good generals who were able to lead the Roman military successfully. One such general was Avidius Cassius who would later mount a significant challenge to Marcus Aurelius' authority.

Although Verus and his forces were successful in defeating the Parthians, the result was that the soldiers returned to Rome with an unidentified disease that subsequently wiped out a significant portion of the Roman population. Also, just as the Parthian War ended the Empire was forced to face a new challenge from German tribes from the north. This time both Verus and Marcus took joint command of the military and proceeded to fight off the German invasion. Unfortunately, in the process Verus died and Marcus was forced to go forward alone.

Upon his return from pushing back the challenge of the German invaders, Marcus Aurelius, assumed the position as the sole Emperor of the Roman Empire but one of his leading generals, the aforementioned Avidius Cassius, after learning that Marcus might be possibly ill openly proclaimed himself as Emperor. Cassius, after being named governor of Syria, had remained in the eastern portion of the Empire and so, in an effort to defeat Cassius' proclamation, Marcus Aurelius, traveled east with his armies. Fortunately, the Roman Empire was saved from the sufferings of a potential civil war as Cassius… READ MORE

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