Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus Flashcards

1
Q

Why are there limited sources on Antonius Pius’ reign?

A

Main sources are Historia Augusta, no works by Dio

“Happy is the age that has no history”
- suggests his reign is assumed peaceful due to lack of events recorded

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2
Q

What was Antoninus Pius’ background before becoming emperor?

A

Family was from Nemausus (Nîmes) in Gaul.

He was well-connected, related to Marcus Aurelius’ family

Important positions like governor of Asia, close advisor to Emperor Hadrian

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3
Q

Why did Hadrian adopt Antoninus Pius?

A

According to one story, Hadrian admired Pius for holding up his aging father-in-law, seeing him as courteous and good-natured. He adopted him as his heir five months before his death.

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4
Q

How did Antoninus Pius strengthen ties with Marcus Aurelius?

A

He adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, engaging his daughter Faustina to Marcus Aurelius, to build connections

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5
Q

What was Antoninus Pius’ approach to governance?

A

He gave significant authority to the Senate, avoided executions (even for serious crimes), and lived modestly, relying on his estates for income. He prioritized public welfare over personal luxury.

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6
Q

What was the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina built?

A

Built by Antoninus to honor his wife Faustina

After Antoninus death, rededicated to Faustina and Antoninus, built in Rome Forum

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7
Q

What does the Column of Antoninus Pius commemorate?

A

Its base depicts Antoninus and Faustina ascending to the heavens, symbolizing their deification. It was constructed by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

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8
Q

How did Antoninus die?

A

Reportedly died from cheese overdose

good emperor and individual

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9
Q

What was Antoninus’ last words?

A

To imperial guard “equanimity”

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10
Q

Where was Marcus Aurelius born?

A

On Caelian Hill in Rome

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11
Q

Who raised Marcus Aurelius after his father died?

A

He was adopted by his grandfather, a close associate of Hadrian.

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12
Q

Who adopted Marcus Aurelius? At whose request?

A

Adopted by Antonius Pius at request of Hadrian

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13
Q

How did Marcus Aurelius react to being adopted by Antoninus Pius?

A

Marcus was happy at home studying, did not want to be a member of imperial family

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14
Q

How did Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus share power?

A

Marcus voluntarily shared imperial authority with Lucius Verus, making them the first co-emperors in Roman history

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15
Q

What did Marcus Aurelius do during the Persian campaign?

A

While Lucius Verus lived luxuriously in the East, Marcus oversaw the war’s logistics and strategy from Rome

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16
Q

What challenges did Marcus Aurelius face during his reign?

A

Marcomanic War

Uprising in Egypt

Usurption attempted by Avidius Cassius

17
Q

How did Marcus Aurelius respond to Avidius Cassius’ usurpation?

A

He chose to forgive Cassius rather than seek vengeance, emphasizing mercy and reconciliation

18
Q

What were Marcus Aurelius’ contributions to civilian administration?

A

Diligently presided over court cases, often spending days or weeks ensuring justice

Managed imperial finances wisely, avoiding heavy taxes and even auctioning imperial treasures when necessary

19
Q

What monuments were built during Marcus Aurelius’ reign?

A

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Arch at Tripoli and Ephesus

20
Q

What is Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, and what is its significance?

A

A collection of personal writings emphasizing self-reflection and mindfulness, written during his campaigns in the North. It was not intended for publication.

21
Q

Where did Marcus Aurelius die?

A

Vindobona (Vienna)

22
Q

How did Marcus Aurelius die?

A

Killed by a doctor for Commodus

23
Q

What marked the end of Marcus Aurelius’ reign?

A

His death marked the end of the “Five Good Emperors”

Led to the rise of his son Commodus

24
Q

What kind of emperor was Commodus?

A

Terrible

25
Q

Who is Commodus son of?

A

Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger

26
Q

What unusual dream did Faustina have during her pregnancy with Commodus?

A

She dreamed of giving birth to a snake.

27
Q

What title did Commodus hold as a child?

A

Given the title Caesar at 5 years old and imperial power at 15.

28
Q

What was Commodus known for being the first to achieve?

A

He was the first emperor “born in the purple” (born into the imperial family).

29
Q

What reputation did Commodus have during his reign?

A

Known for cruelty, entitlement, and engaging in immoral and extravagant behavior.

30
Q

How did Marcus Aurelius reportedly feel about Commodus?

A

He feared Commodus would become a cruel and unworthy emperor.

31
Q

What were some of Commodus’s terrible acts?

A

Killed his mother and sister.

Killed senators and innocent worshippers.

Mixed feces with food and gave people bad nicknames.

Fought as a gladiator and renamed Rome after himself.

32
Q

What title did Commodus give himself, and what did it signify?

A

Called himself “Hercules Romanus,” aligning himself with Hercules.

33
Q

How did Commodus die?

A

Strangled in his bath by his praetorian prefect, in plot by Marcia, Electus and Laetus

34
Q

What punishment did Commodus’s memory face after his death?

A

Damnatio Memoriae

Memories destoryed

35
Q

Who restored Commodus’s name and legacy?

A

Emperor Septimius Severus

Political reasons, bc he claimed descent from Marcus Aurelius, so had no choice but to acknowledge his adopted brother

36
Q

What happened to Commodus’s buildings?

A

None of them survived