5 Interesting Facts About Marcus Aurelius
The Life of the Philosopher King
In this article, I dive into the life of Marcus Aurelius, also known as The Philosopher King. In particular, I will discuss five interesting facts about Marcus Aurelius. These facts will hopefully paint a picture of who he was and what he had to endure and overcome.
1 — Marcus Aurelius Was Adopted
Marcus Annius Verus lost his father at age three and was raised by his mother and grandfather. Towards the end of emperor Hadrian’s reign, he needed to choose a successor. He chose Titus Aurelius Antoninus, a Roman senator with the condition that he had to adopt Marcus Aurelius as a son. Around this time, Antoninus became Marcus’s adopted father, and his name was officially changed to Marcus Aurelius.
2 — Marcus Aurelius Co-ruled With His Adopted Brother
At the beginning of his reign, Marcus Aurelius appointed his adopted brother Lucius Verus as co-emperor. This was a historical moment for Rome as it was the first time co-emperors ruled Ancient Rome. Lucius died eight years into their reign. The death of his brother was just one of many obstacles Marcus had to face in a hard life.
