Antoninus Pius
Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Antoninus entered the world on the 19th of September 86 near Lanuvium in Italy. His father held the consulship of 89 and belonged to the Aurelii Fulvi family settled in Nemausus. This senatorial house rose to prominence under the Flavians, with his grandfather supporting Vespasian's bid for imperial office. The young boy grew up under the care of his maternal grandfather Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus. Contemporaries described this man as a figure of integrity and culture who counted Pliny the Younger among his friends. The Arrii Antonini were an older senatorial family from Italy that wielded significant influence during Nerva's reign. Antoninus's mother later married Publius Julius Lupus, suffect consul in 98, producing two daughters named Arria Lupula and Julia Fadilla.
Emperor Hadrian selected Antoninus as his successor on the 25th of February 138 following the death of Lucius Aelius. The adoption came with strict conditions requiring Antoninus to take Marcus Annius Verus and Lucius into his own household. These adopted sons would eventually become emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Antoninus assumed power without opposition despite potential rivals like Lucius Catilius Severus. He acquired the cognomen Pius after compelling the Senate to deify his adoptive father or saving senators condemned by Hadrian. His first act involved persuading the reluctant Senate to grant divine honors to Hadrian. This political maneuvering established his reputation for pietas or dutiful affection within the Roman state structure.
J.J. Wilkes noted that Antoninus likely never commanded a Roman army throughout his twenty-three-year reign. He remained within five hundred miles of any legion while managing provincial crises through letters and governors. His rule represented the most peaceful period in the entire history of the Principate despite disturbances in Mauretania and Judea. Towns such as Sala and Tipasa received fortifications while cavalry reinforcements arrived from Pannonia. Two attempts at usurpation emerged under Cornelius Priscianus and Atilius Rufius Titianus but failed quickly. Priscianus committed suicide while Titianus faced trial before the Senate. Antoninus abstained from seizing their families' properties, demonstrating restraint even during times of crisis.
Governor Quintus Lollius Urbicus led an invasion of southern Scotland early in 139 AD. The campaign resulted in victories and the construction of the Antonine Wall stretching from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde. This defensive barrier measured thirty-seven miles compared to Hadrian's seventy-three mile wall. The additional territory enclosed proved barren with grazing land already in decay. Supply lines became strained enough that maintenance costs outweighed benefits. The wall was gradually decommissioned during the mid-150s and abandoned late in the reign around 162. An Imperial salutation followed the campaign when Antoninus formally took the title of Imperator for the second time in 142. Coins struck announcing victory in Britain publicized these achievements across the empire.
Antoninus left behind a public treasury containing approximately 2.7 billion sesterces upon his death. He suspended tax collection from cities affected by natural disasters including fires at Rome and earthquakes striking Rhodes. Financial grants helped rebuild Greek cities like Cyzicus where the Temple to Hadrian had been destroyed. Five chief lawyers assisted him including Lucius Fulvius Aburnius Valens and Lucius Ulpius Marcellus. Lucius Volusius Maecianus emerged as the most important legal adviser after serving as a military officer. Antoninus introduced principles favoring libertatis giving freedmen the benefit of doubt when claims remained unclear. He punished masters who killed slaves without trial and prohibited selling female slaves into prostitution. Torture application faced limitations especially regarding children under fourteen years old.
The Hou Hanshu recorded an embassy reaching Emperor Huan of Han China in 166 AD. These travelers claimed to be ambassadors from Andun king of Daqin bringing rhinoceros horns and ivory gifts. The mission entered China through the frontier province of Jiaozhi at Rinan or Tonkin. Roman glassware found in Guangzhou dated to the early first century BC suggests earlier trade connections. Golden medallions from Antoninus's reign appeared at Óc Eo in southern Vietnam near Kattigara described by Ptolemy. Coins discovered in Xi'an indicate contact with the Han capital Chang'an though maritime trade centered on India rather than overland routes. Indian kingdoms sent ambassadors hearing about his spirit of justice held by this great emperor.
Antoninus turned seventy in 156 finding it difficult to remain upright without physical supports. He nibbled dry bread to maintain strength during morning receptions while Marcus Aurelius assumed administrative duties. His trusted adviser Marcus Gavius Maximus died around 157 initiating changes within the ruling team. Two days before dying he ate Alpine cheese greedily before vomiting and developing a fever. When asked for the password by the night-watch tribune he responded aequanimitas meaning equanimity. He then turned over as if going to sleep and passed away on the 7th of March 161. His body was buried in Hadrian's mausoleum rather than incinerated on a pyre. The Senate nominated him for deification creating Divus Antoninus with a flamen appointed to minister the cult.
The Historia Augusta remains the only intact account of his life despite containing unreliable elements. Historian J.B. Bury offered less positive views suggesting grossly wasted opportunities given future upheavals. Ernst Kornemann argued Antoninus might have waged preventive wars against Parthians who caused mischief after his death. Michael Grant agreed that decisive action could have prevented later problems though evidence remains inconclusive. Krzysztof Ulanowski claimed military inability claims were exaggerated considering conquests like the Lowlands. Modern scholars view him as an ideal landed gentleman praised by ancient Romans and classical historians alike. His descendants included four generations of prominent Romans including Emperor Commodus. Hans-Georg Pflaum identified five direct descendants who became consuls during the first half of the third century.
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Common questions
When was Antoninus Pius born and where did he grow up?
Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Antoninus entered the world on the 19th of September 86 near Lanuvium in Italy. He grew up under the care of his maternal grandfather Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus who counted Pliny the Younger among his friends.
How did Antoninus Pius become Roman emperor after Hadrian's death?
Emperor Hadrian selected Antoninus as his successor on the 25th of February 138 following the death of Lucius Aelius. The adoption came with strict conditions requiring Antoninus to take Marcus Annius Verus and Lucius into his own household before assuming power without opposition.
What military campaigns did Antoninus Pius lead during his reign?
Governor Quintus Lollius Urbicus led an invasion of southern Scotland early in 139 AD resulting in victories and the construction of the Antonine Wall stretching from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde. J.J. Wilkes noted that Antoninus likely never commanded a Roman army throughout his twenty-three-year reign while managing provincial crises through letters and governors.
Why is Antoninus Pius known for his financial policies and legal reforms?
Antoninus left behind a public treasury containing approximately 2.7 billion sesterces upon his death and suspended tax collection from cities affected by natural disasters including fires at Rome and earthquakes striking Rhodes. He introduced principles favoring libertatis giving freedmen the benefit of doubt when claims remained unclear and punished masters who killed slaves without trial.
When did Antoninus Pius die and what password did he give to the night-watch tribune?
He passed away on the 7th of March 161 after turning seventy in 156 finding it difficult to remain upright without physical supports. When asked for the password by the night-watch tribune he responded aequanimitas meaning equanimity before turning over as if going to sleep.
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