Antoninus Pius Titus Aelius (Reign: 138-161 AD)
Antoninus Pius was born on the 19th of September, 86 AD in Latium. His father, Aurelius Fulvus, came from the Gallic town of Nimes. His mother, Arria Fadilla, was the daughter of a consul. Antoninus set out on a political career and in the year 120 AD officially became a consul. In the year 135 AD he served as the proconsul of Asia. In 138 AD Emperor Hadrian adopted him as his son and successor. Antoninus Pius became Emperor in 138 AD and was bestowed by the Senate the name Pius, a Greek word meaning "the loyal one". He spent many years expanding the Empire's borders and oppressing any attempt of revolt. As a result, Antoninus Pius' Empire enjoyed many years of peace and economic growth. During his reign, the Imperial administration became more centralized. Yet, at the same time, Pius continued to develop good relations with the nobility and consulted with them about governmental issues. Emperor Antoninus Pius died on the 7th of March in the year 161 AD. During his lifetime he enjoyed great admiration, both by his people and by the noble class. The Senate proclaimed him a god and he was buried in Hadrian's mausoleum.
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