Marcus had returned to Rome, for what would turn out to be the last time, in autumn The next year, , his son and eventual successor, Commodus, was made consul and co-emperor with his father, aged just During this respite from war, the two Augusti focussed their energies on various domestic issues.
But that same year the barbarian threat returned, and Marcus travelled north once more in the late summer of In the campaigning which followed his return to the frontier, victories were won, with particular attention paid to the powerful tribes of the Jazyges, Quadi, and Marcomanni. It seems that Marcus intended to take over their territories and transform them into new Roman provinces. Roman successes meant that this goal was far from unattainable. He sent for Commodus, in a bid to encourage his son to carry on the war and complete the mission Marcus now could not.
Even historical figures or fictional characters can serve as role models. In extreme cases some people may even take their own lives. However, this saying also has a deeper meaning for Stoics. The virus can only harm your body — the worst it can do is kill you. However, fear penetrates into the moral core of our being.
It can destroy your humanity if you let it. Finally, during a pandemic, you may have to confront the risk, the possibility, of your own death. Most of us find it easier to bury our heads in the sand. Avoidance is the No1 most popular coping strategy in the world.
Troubled by these thoughts, Marcus summoned his friends and kinsmen. Placing his son beside him and raising himself up a little on his couch, he began to speak to them as follows:.
It is natural for men to pity the sufferings of their fellow men, and the misfortunes that occur before their very eyes arouse even greater compassion.
I think, however, that an even stronger bond of affection exists between you and me; in return for the favors I have done you, I have a reasonable right to expect your reciprocal good will. And now is the proper time for me to discover that not in vain have I showered honor and esteem upon you for so long, and for you to return the favor by showing that you are not unmindful of the benefits you have received from me.
Here is my son, whom you yourselves have educated, approaching the prime of youth and, as it were, in need of pilots for the stormy seas ahead. I fear that he, tossed to and fro by his lack of knowledge of what he needs to know, may be dashed to pieces on the rocks of evil practices. You, therefore, together take my place as his father, looking after him and giving him wise counsel. The ruler who emplants in the hearts of his subjects not fear resulting from cruelty, but love occasioned by kindness, is most likely to complete his reign safely.
For it is not those who submit from necessity but those who are persuaded to obedience who continue to serve and to suffer without suspicion and without pretense of flattery. And they never rebel unless they are driven to it by violence and arrogance. When a man holds absolute power, it is difficult for him to control his desires. But if you give my son proper advice in such matters and constantly remind him of what he has heard here, you will make him the best of emperors for yourselves and for all, and you will be paying the greatest tribute to my memory.
Marcus Aurelius also continued his philosophical studies and developed an interest in law. Along with his burgeoning career, Marcus Aurelius seemed to have a contented personal life. Together they had many children, though some did not live for long. Best known are their daughter Lucilla and their son Commodus.
After his adoptive father died in , Marcus Aurelius rose to power and was officially then known as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. While some sources indicate that Antoninus selected him as his only successor, Marcus Aurelius insisted that his adopted brother served as his co-ruler.
Unlike the peaceful and prosperous rule of Antoninus, the joint reign of the two brothers was marked by war and disease. In the s, they battled with the Parthian empire for control over lands in the East. Verus oversaw the war effort while Marcus Aurelius stayed in Rome. Much of their success in this conflict has been attributed to the generals working under Verus, especially Avidius Cassius. He was later made governor of Syria.
Returning soldiers brought some type of disease back with them to Rome, which lingered for years and wiped out a portion ofthe population. As the Parthian War ended, the two rulers had to face another military conflict with German tribes in the late s. German tribes crossed the Danube River and attacked a Roman city. After raising the necessary funds and troops, Marcus Aurelius and Verus went off to fight the invaders.
Verus died in so Marcus Aurelius pushed on alone, attempting to drive away the Germans. In , he faced another challenge, this time for his very position. After hearing a rumor about Marcus Aurelius being deathly ill, Avidius Cassius claimed the title of emperor for himself.
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