// Archives

On this day in AD 121, the emperor Marcus Aurelius was born

Born on the 26th of April 121, he was born Marcus Annius Verus to a relatively inconspicuous father of the same name who died as praetor-designate in 124, when his son was only three years old.

On this day in 180AD the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius died

On the coin he is shown ascending to heaven on the back on an eagle, seeming to wave goodbye to the world.

1877 years ago today: Hadrian adopted Pius on the proviso Pius adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus…

Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of Antoninus Pius by the emperor Hadrian, on condition that Pius adopted both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.