What did Marcus Aurelius do as emperor?

Answer 1

The period of Marcus Aurelius’ reign was one of wars. There was a war against the resurgent and aggressive Persians (160-166) which was fought by various generals. From 166 to 180 there were the Marcomannic Wars. T

he Marcomanni, a Germanic people from Bohemia who crossed the frontier of the river Danube and, together with the Lombards and other Germanics, raided areas of the Balkan Peninsula. Marcus Aurelius managed to push them back. However, the Marcomanni and Quadi then attacked northeast Italy and at the same time the Costoboci from Northern Romania invaded the lower Danube, Macedonia and Greece. Marcus Aurelius managed to push them all back after a long struggle. Then he crossed the Danube, won a decisive victory and planned to invade Bohemia. However, he fell ill and died in 180.

Marcus Aurelius was very interested in the law. He spent most of his time addressing legal matters, hearing petitions and arbitrating litigations. He dealt with matters of law theory and practice as was described as “an emperor most skilled in the law.” He was also a stoic philosopher and wrote a book on stoic philosophy (the Meditations) between 170 and 180 while he was campaigning against the Marcomanni.

During Marcus Aurelius' reign there was also a plague which lasted from 165 to 180 and which has been named the Antonine Plague (after Marcus Aurelius’ family name, Antoninus). It is thought that it was a pandemic of either smallpox or the measles. It killed many people.

Answer 2

He wrote amazing philosophy such as the Meditations written by Marcus Aurelius himself! Also he defended the Roman Empire against attacks. He is one of the best Emperors Rome has ever had.

Answer 3

Marcus Aurelius spent most of his reign at war. There was a war against the Persians. Then there were wars against the many tribes which tried to invade the Danubian area of the empire.