‘Marcus Aurelius’Marcus Annius Verus(AD 121 – AD 180) Marcus Annius Verus was born at Rome on 26 April AD 121. His paternal great-grandfather, Annius Verus from Uccubi (near Corduba) in Baetica, had brought the family, wealthy through the production of olive oil, to prominence by gaining the rank of senator and praetor. After this, his …
Antoninus Pius was a significant figure in Roman history. It’s not every day that we get to see an emperor who maintained his borders through minimal violence. He was known for his peaceful and prosperous rule as a Roman emperor, with his reign marking a time of stability and growth for the Roman Empire. Who …
Hadrian, Emperor of Rome from AD 117 to 138, was a transformative leader known for architectural marvels like Hadrian’s Wall in Britain and significant legal reforms. Distinguished by his consolidation efforts, Hadrian prioritized the empire’s stability over expansion, embracing Greek culture and philosophy. His reign saw advancements in Roman law, infrastructure, and arts, but was …
Emperor Trajan, renowned for his military conquests and civic projects, expanded Rome’s empire to its furthest reaches and improved citizens’ lives. Born in the provinces, his reign symbolized the peak of Roman grandeur, blending visionary leadership with a commitment to prosperity and welfare. Trajan’s architectural legacies and strategic expansions underscore his enduring impact on Roman …
Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus(AD ca. 159 – AD 238) Marcus Gordianus was born in ca. AD 159 as the son of Maecius Marullus and Ulpia Gordiana. Although the names of this parentage are in doubt. In particular his mother’s supposed name Ulpia stems most likely from Gordian’s claim that she was a descendant of …
Marcus Cocceius Nerva(AD 30 – AD 98) Marcus Cocceius Nerva was born on 8 November at Narnia, 50 miles north of Rome. Nerva was born into the household of a wealthy lawyer whose family was well accustomed to holding high office. Nerva’s great-grandfather had even been consul in 36 BC and his grandfather had been …