Description
Meditations Book Description: Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born on April 26, AD 121. His real name was M. Annius Verus and he came from a noble family that claimed descent from Numa, the second King of Rome. In another sense, he bore the blood of the most pious of emperors, the most devout of all the kings of ancient times. His father, Annius Verus, had attained high rank in Rome, and his grandfather of the same name had been Consul three times. Both of his parents died young, but Marcus always remembered them fondly. After his father's death, Marcus was adopted by his grandfather, the consular officer Annius Verus, and the two shared a deep bond of love. On the first page of his book, Marcus gratefully emphasizes how he learned from his grandfather to be gentle and docile and to avoid all anger and passion. Emperor Hadrian divided the beautiful character of the young man, whom he had previously called not Verus, but Verissimus, which means more True than his own name. He taught Marcus to ride when he was six and ordained him to the ancient Salian priesthood when he was eight. The boy's aunt, Annia Galeria Faustina, married Antoninus Pius, who later became emperor. So Antoninus, who had no son, adopted Marcus, gave him the name by which he was known, and betrothed him to his daughter Faustina. He completed his education diligently. The most skilful teachers were mobilized for him, and he was educated in the strict doctrine of Stoic philosophy, which was his greatest pleasure. She was taught to dress modestly and live simply, to avoid all affectionate manners and luxury. His body was trained to be compatible with wrestling, hunting, and outdoor games, and although his constitution was weak, he would display great personal courage in facing the fiercest boars. At the same time, he avoided everyday extravagance. The great excitement in Rome was the clash of the Gangs, as they were called in the circus. Competitive drivers would choose one of four colors (red, blue, white or green) and their supporters would enthusiastically support them. Rebellion and corruption disappeared under the wheels of racing cars, and Marcus always stayed away from all this. (From the Promotional Bulletin)