1. Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius
The Five Good Emperors
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian,
Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius

2. The Roman Empire

3. Principal Roman Emperors

4. The Setting…
When we last left our emperors, the overall-good Flavian Dynasty had come to an end…
Domitian lay murdered by his own court officials
Which family would rule Rome next?

5. The Five Good Emperors Sometimes called the “adoptive emperors.”
Each one picked his own successor by adoption to ensure a smooth transition of government upon his death
If we could time-travel, this period would be an excellent time to see the Roman Empire at its peak: AD 96-AD 180

6. Nerva Ruled from AD 96-98 65 years old when he became emperor
First emperor chosen by the Senate
Supporter of the Flavians
Stopped executions of senators and treason trials
Returned property that Domitian had confiscated

7. Nerva Passed many tax reliefs for poor Romans
Forced to choose an heir in AD 97
Chose Trajan as heir
Died of natural causes (stroke) in AD 98 after 15 months in office
Was deified (made a god)

9. Trajan Ruled from AD 98-117 Born in Spain
Became emperor at the age of 44
Famous military campaign: conquered Dacia (modern Romania) in AD 106
The Roman Empire was at its greatest size during his reign

11. Trajan
Famous for many architectural works: Trajan’s Column, Trajan’s Forum, and others
Started a welfare program for poor children: alimenta
Died of illness when returning to Rome from war against Parthia

17. Hadrian Ruled from AD 117-138 Born in Spain
His father was a cousin of Trajan
Hadrian loved army life
He traveled to almost every province of the Roman Empire during his reign
He loved Greece and Greek ideas

18. Hadrian He loved architecture!
Remembered for building Hadrian’s Wall in Britain; rebuilding the Pantheon in Rome; and starting construction of Hadrian’s Mausoleum (the modern Castel Sant’Angelo)
Died at Baiae, Italy, aged 62

22. Antoninus Pius Ruled from AD 138-161 Governed from Rome
“Pius”: convinced Senate to deify Hadrian
Ruled well and justly
No major military conflicts

23. Antoninus Pius Married Anna Galeria Faustina Very happy marriage
4 children; one daughter outlived the parents
Faustina did much charity work
Puellae Faustinianae: “Faustina’s Girls”---paid for education of poor girls

24. Antoninus Pius Faustina died in AD 141
Antoninus Pius grieved her death
Had her deified
Built a temple to her in the Forum
After his death in 161, the temple was rededicated to them both

26. Marcus Aurelius Ruled from AD 161-180
Co-ruled with Lucius Verus from AD (Verus’ death)
Early education was overseen by Hadrian
He and Lucius Verus were adopted by Antoninus Pius as as part of Hadrian’s adoption agreement with Pius

27. Marcus Aurelius Fought wars with Parthia and Germany
Was a Stoic philosopher
Stoics believed in moderation in everything
Be content with what you have
Popular philosophy with upper-class Romans
Marcus Aurelius wrote the “Meditations,” a book about Stoicism

28. Marcus Aurelius
He married Faustina the Younger (daughter of Antoninus Pius and Faustina)
30-year marriage
13 children! Only 5 outlived him.

29. Annia Aurelia Galeria Faustina (147–after 165)
Gemellus Lucillae (died around 150), twin brother of Lucilla
Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla (148/50–182), twin sister of Gemellus, married her father's co-ruler Lucius Verus
Titus Aelius Antoninus (born after 150, died before 7 March 161)
Titus Aelius Aurelius (born after 150, died before 7 March 161)
Hadrianus (152–157)
Domitia Faustina (born after 150, died before 7 March 161)
Annia Aurelia Fadilla (159–after 211)
Annia Cornificia Faustina Minor (160–after 211)
Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus (161–165), twin brother of Commodus
Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus (Commodus) (161–192), twin brother of Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus, later emperor
Marcus Annius Verus Caesar (162–169)
Vibia Aurelia Sabina (170–died before 217)

30. Marcus Aurelius Died in Vienna, Austria, March 17, AD 180
Was succeeded by his son Commodus, who had been co-ruler since AD 177
Was deified after his death

31. Quotes from “Meditations”
A man should be upright, not be kept upright. Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart. If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.

32. Quotes from “Meditations”
Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one. When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.