Marcus Aurelius Antonius, born Marcus Annius Verus in 121 C.E, was adopted at age 17 by emperor Antonius Pius. Marcus succeeded to the throne without difficulty after the death of Antonius in 161 C.E. A devotee of Stoicism, Marcus is well remembered for his Meditations, written while in isolation, in which he attempts to reconcile his Stoic beliefs with his role as emperor. In terms of his role as emperor, Marcus Aurelius is well remembered for …showed first 75 words of 750 total…

…showed last 75 words of 750 total…He also set the standard for humanized laws. He also improved the treatment of slaves for generations to come. Marcus Aurelius is oft regarded as one of the best emperors Rome ever saw. In 176 C.E. Marcus returned to the Northern frontier, hoping to extend the boundaries of the empire northeastward to the Wisla (Vistula) river. Marcus Aurelius died of the bubonic plague in Vindobona on March 17, 180 C.E, before he could begin the invasion.