Marcus Aurelius — The Beloved Emperor of Rome
Marcus Aurelius was one of the most beloved Roman Emperors in history. He is best known for his stoic philosophy and commitment to justice…
Marcus Aurelius was one of the most beloved Roman Emperors in history. He is best known for his stoic philosophy and commitment to justice, which he used as the foundation for his rule. But what made him such a beloved leader? Let’s look at some qualities that made him so popular with the people and the military of Ancient Rome.
Leadership Style
Marcus Aurelius had a relatively relaxed approach to leadership, which allowed him to be more accessible to his people. He was known for taking regular trips throughout Rome, stopping at various stores and inns along the way to understand how everyday life was going for his subjects. In addition, he was also open to hearing advice from those around him and often visited temples to consult with oracles about important decisions. This laid-back attitude toward rule helped make him popular among the people of Rome.
Military Success
In addition to being loved by the citizens of Rome, Marcus Aurelius was admired by its military forces. His military success earned him respect from his army and citizens, further bolstering his popularity as a leader. During his reign, he fought off numerous invasions from Germanic tribes and led several successful campaigns against them.
Philosophy
Marcus Aurelius was also known for being a philosopher king; he wrote extensively on Stoicism and believed one should strive for virtue in all aspects of life. This philosophy resonated with ordinary people and members of high society alike, helping him earn even more favour as a leader. His writings have since been studied by many philosophers over the years and continue to influence thought today.
Marcus Aurelius is remembered today as one of Rome’s most beloved Emperors due to his commitment to justice, decisive leadership style, successful military campaigns, and philosophical writings. His legacy lives on today through books written about him or inspired by him, monuments dedicated to his memory, and even movies based on his life story! Whether you are learning about Ancient History or just interested in understanding what makes a great ruler, studying Marcus Aurelius is an excellent place to start!
Read: Meditations: A New Translation - by Marcus Aurelius and Gregory Hays