Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers traditionally known as the Five Good Emperors, and his reign marked the end of the Pax Romana, an era of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius was born on April 26, 121 AD, in Rome, Italy, into a prominent and established family. He was raised in a wealthy and politically active environment, which prepared him for his future role as an emperor.
During his reign, Marcus Aurelius kept the Roman Empire safe from the Parthians and Germanic tribes, but his rule was troubled by natural disasters and war. He is best known for his intellectual pursuits and his written work 'Meditations,' which is a series of personal writings setting forth his ideas on Stoic philosophy. 'Meditations,' originally written in Greek while on campaign, has been revered for its guidance on how to live in the face of adversity and how to maintain control over one's impulses.
Despite his status as emperor, Marcus Aurelius is often remembered more for his contributions to philosophy than to politics. His work has influenced many later philosophical thinkers and continues to be studied today in the context of both philosophy and classical history. His death in 180 AD marked the end of the Pax Romana and heralded a period of instability and decline for the Roman Empire.