I will empower you, to one end alone. To give power back to the people of Rome and end the corruption that has crippled it. Will you accept this great honor that I have offered you?"
"With all my heart, no."
"Maximus, that is why it must be you."—Emperor Marcus Aurelius, to and with Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator
Marcus Aurelius was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors, and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire lasting from 27 BC to 180 AD. He led a Twelve Year Campaign in the province of Germania, and his legions there were commanded by the Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius. He was murdered by his son, Commodus, because Marcus had instead appointed Maximus to be his successor.
He was portrayed by the late Richard Harris in the 2000 film Gladiator.
Twelve Year Campaign[]
Marcus started a campaign against the Barbarians in Germania. His legions were led by Maximus. Marcus oversaw Maximus' victory over the Barbarians at the Battle of Vindabona in Germania, and he allowed Maximus to return to his farm in Spain as a reward for his victory in the war.
Succession Dispute and Death[]
Marcus started a campaign against the Barbarians in 180 AD after several years of conquering. His legions were led by his favourite general, Maximus. Marcus oversaw Maximus' victory over a Barbarian force at Vindobona in the province Germania, and he allowed Maximus to return to his farm in Hispania as a reward for his victory in the war. He was secretly dying at the time, as told by Commodus to his sister, Lucilla. However, after Marcus revealed to Maximus and Commodus that Maximus would be his successor (hoping Maximus would restore Rome to a Republic); Commodus tearfully suffocated his father and assumed his position as Emperor.