v16_0541 - MARCUS AURELIUS Sesterce, (GB, Æ 31)

MARCUS AURELIUS

(139-03/17/180)

Caesar

Born on April 26, 121, Marc Aurèle lost his father at the age of 9. He is the grandson of Marcus Annius Verus, brother-in-law of Hadrian and related to Trajan, and the son of Domitia Lucilla, half-sister of Hadrian. He received a careful education with Herod Atticus and Fronton as teachers. In 135, he converted to stoicism, the source of his inspiration for writing the Pensées. After the death of Aelius, he is adopted by Antoninus, just like Lucius Verus, at the request of the dying Hadrian. After July 10, 138, he was engaged to Faustina, born in 128 or 132, whom he married in 145. Caesar from 139, wearing the consulate in 140, Marc Aurèle received tribunician power in 147 and succeeded Antoninus in 161.