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MARCUS AURELIUS AND NERO

Marcus Aurelius and Nero, two of the most recognizable names from the

long period of Roman prosperity now know as the Pax Romana. The two mens lives

were separated by almost one hundred years. Despite this fact, their childhoods are

strikingly similar. This however is apparently where their similarities end. Both

became emperors of Rome but their reigns were very different. Today Marcus

Aurelius is recognized as a philosopher king strived for peace but was required to

fight wars. In contrast, Nero is known as an irresponsible, immature artist who

burned Rome to the ground.

Nero and Marcus Aureliuss upbringings were strikingly alike. Both were

born into affluent families. Neros mother, Agrippina, was the great -granddaughter

of the great emperor Augustus. Augustuss family was well off and politically active.

As boys, both learned of Ancient Greece and philosophy from their tutors. The stoic

philosopher Seneca the Younger tutored Nero. His philosophic teachings apparently

did not make a big impact on Nero, who was more interested in the arts. Aurelius

was introduced to stoicism by Diognetus, an artist, and took immediately to its

ethics. He even went as far as to wear a Greek cloak and sleep on the cold ground.

While both emperors were born and educated under similar circumstances, their

personalities and interests clearly diverge.

Both emperors ascensions to the throne were very different. After the death

of her husband, Neros mother married her uncle, the emperor Clau dius. She quickly

convinced him to allow Nero to marry his daughter and name Nero his successor.

Agrippina is believed to have poisoned and kill Claudius to allow Nero to become

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emperor. Nero was only 17 when he ascended the throne. Marcus Aureliuss ascen t

to the throne was comparatively slower. At 17 years old he was named the heir to

Emperor Pius Antonius. He then became a consul in the senate and slowly received

more political power. When his adoptive father died Aurelius became emperor and

chose to co-rule with his adoptive brother Verus. The difference between Aurelius

and Neros path to leadership is clear. Aurelius gained power slowly, and when he

eventually became emperor he decided to give some responsibility to another ruler.

Neros rise to power was quick and mostly the result of his mothers exploits. When

he became emperor he was immature and unready.

Both leaders reigns are recognizable today for vastly unlike reasons. In the

beginning of his reign Marcus Aurelius remained in Rome while his brother Verus

oversaw conflicts with the Parthians in the east. After defeating the Parthian empire

and Verus dying Aurelius was forced to go fight barbarians in the west. He

appointed his son Commodus co-ruler at this time and they continued fighting

Germ anic tribes until Marcuss death. During his campaign Aurelius wrote his book

called Meditations about the philosophy of conflict. Neros reign had a totally

different tone. After becoming emperor he had his mother murdered for her trying

to influence Nero s rule. After his mothers death Neros reign became tyrannical

and lavish. He spent much of the empires money to fund his artistic pursuits. He

even gave mediocre public performances. During his reign Rome experienced a

great fire that burned down more than half of the city. After the fire Nero raised

taxes and took money from temples to fund the construction of his estate, called the

Domus Aurea, on the ruins of the city. This led many to believe that he deliberately

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started the fire. Shortly after the fire a revolt began against him. Not being able to do

the act himself, he had a servant kill him. Neros last words were What an artist the

world loses with me. Marcus Aureliuss reign was modest and quiet compared to

Neros seemingly flamboyant and corr upt rule.

Both emperors have legacys fitting of their reigns. Nero today is known as an

eccentric ruler. His artistic pastimes differentiated him thoroughly from any other

Roman emperor. His taking of state funds for his personal needs also solidifies him

as a selfish and irresponsible leader. While Nero is an icon of dishonor, Marcus is

almost the exact opposite. His early interest in stoicism and modesty make his title,

the Philosopher King fitting. It is quite ironic that during his reign, he, one of the

most noble and kind emperors of Rome, was forced to fight wars that kept him away

from his studies and completely fulfilling his stoic ideology. It is clear that Nero and

Marcus Aurelius were different in one way. Throughout his reign Nero wanted

more, more attention, more money and more control. Marcus Aurelius wanted less,

less conflict, less power and less fame.