Marcus Aurelius (Reign: 161-180 AD)
Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome on the 26th of April 121 AD. His father was a Spaniard whose family had always served in high places in Rome. After his father's death, he was adopted by his grandfather the consul and received excellent education in grammar and philosophy. Emporer Hadrian became very fond of him, and in the year 136 AD arranged for his engagement with the daughter of his successor, Aelius. In 145 AD, Marcus married Faustina the Younger, Antoninus Pius' daughter.
Marcus succeeded Pius on the 7th of March 161 AD and was given the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Most of his years as Emperor were spent fighting off enemies, particularly in central Europe where Germanic tribes had begun invading the Roman Empire in 166 AD. These tribes succeeded in getting as far as Italy, but Marcus managed to fight them off in 170 AD. He continued to fight across the Danube, returning to Rome in the year 176 AD.
During Marcus Aurelius' reign, a general decrease in economic enterprise, free market activity and civil volunteering spirit could be felt. There was also a decrease in public activity in the cities. This is ironic, since Marcus Aurelius was the only Roman Emperor who was also a philosopher.
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