| Marcus Aurelius | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Vital statistics | |
| Title | Emperor |
| Gender | Male |
| Status | Deceased |
| Ships | None |
| Relationships | None |
| Appearances | Mentioned in: III. |
| Portrayed by | N/A |
Marcus Aurelius was the Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire.
Biography[]
Background[]
Marcus was born during the reign of Hadrian to the emperor’s nephew. He eventually ascended to the throne, and his reign was marked by war, primarily with the Germanic tribes.
Marcus was a known follower of the Stoic philosophy. His book, Meditations, is a significant source of the modern understanding of the ancient philosophy.
Marcus died at the age of 58 of unknown causes at his military headquarters near the city of Sirmium.
Season One[]
While Richard Guthrie convalesces at the home of Miranda Barlow, she brings him a meal. He asks her who she is, and she merely gives him her name. Miranda then hands him her copy of Meditations, and tells him it's by Marcus Aurelius. She adds that it is a personal favorite, and that she thinks he’ll find it helpful.
Later, Richard and Miranda read a passage from the book, much to Flint’s anger.
Season Two[]
In a flashback to 1705, it is revealed that the book was a gift to Flint from Thomas Hamilton.
Quotes[]
"Marcus Aurelius. Have you read it? It's a personal favorite. And at the risk of sounding presumptuous, I think you might find it helpful. Perhaps when you've finished, we could discuss it together."
- Miranda Barlow to Richard Guthrie in III.
"The emperor writes, 'How should you be? You should be like a rocky promontory against which the restless surf continually pounds. It stands fast while the churning sea is lulled to sleep at its feet. I hear you say, 'How unlucky that this should happen to me.' But not at all. Perhaps say instead, 'How lucky I am that I am not broken by what has happened and I'm not afraid of what is about to happen.' For the same blow might have struck anyone, but not many who would have absorbed it without capitulation or complaint.'"
- Miranda Barlow in III.
