Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of the Roman Empire (Caesar). He led a Twelve Year Campaign in 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 Richard Harris in the 2000 film Gladiator.

Twelve Year Campaign

Marcus started a campaign against the Barbarians after several years of war. His legions were led by Maximus Decimus Meridius. Marcus oversaw Maximus' victory over the Barbarians 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 168 CE after several years of conquering. His legions were led by his favourite, Maximus Decimus Meridius. Marcus oversaw Maximus' victory over a Barbarian force in Germania, and he allowed Maximus to return to his farm in Spain 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 return Rome to a Republic); Commodus tearfully suffocated his father and assumed his position.