Beyond the Philosopher King: 5 Surprising Discoveries About Marcus Aurelius

The untold truths that shaped a legacy

Michael Lawrence
The Stoic Cornerstone

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Marcus Aurelius, Philosopher King generated by Midjourney

Marcus Aurelius, a luminary from ancient times, holds a cherished place in the annals of Stoic philosophy. Although nearly two thousand years have passed since he set his thoughts to parchment, their echo of truth and insight reverberates in today’s world. While his magnum opus, “Meditations,” has earned him widespread acclaim, the tapestry of his life conceals many intriguing threads yet to be unraveled.

More than just a philosopher, Marcus Aurelius wore the dual crowns of an emperor and a thinker. Contrary to popular belief, his “Meditations” was not a piece crafted for the masses, but rather a personal diary, providing windows into the soul of a profound intellect.

Join us as we journey into the lesser-trodden paths of Marcus Aurelius’s life, uncovering five facts that may surprise even those familiar with this iconic figure.

The Attempted Coup d’état

In the year 175 CE, Marcus Aurelius’ right-hand man, the man he trusted implicitly, General Avidius Cassius, dared to orchestrate a coup against him.

In this pivotal moment, the Roman world held its breath. Many expected Marcus, wielding absolute power, to…

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Michael Lawrence
The Stoic Cornerstone

Web Application developer | writing about productivity, lifestyle, AI and development. Student of stoicism