April 26, 121 AD: Marcus Aurelius is born #115

Reluctant emperor of Rome, fighter and Stoic philosopher

Dear friends of Daily Philosophy,

Today we celebrate the birthday of Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD), a man who always had wanted to be a scholar, but who was made emperor against his own wishes. He became one of the best emperors of Rome, and a widely-respected philosopher who still inspires us today with his sense of humility and duty. Read on for a short glimpse into the life of this remarkable man.

Marcus Aurelius, reluctant Emperor of Rome

Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus Caesar (121-180 AD), or Marcus Aurelius in short, is still one of the most famous emperors of Rome and one of the best-known Stoic philosophers. He was played beautifully by Richard Harris in the Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator (2000) – he is the old emperor who dies at the beginning of the film.