Meditations

MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS was born on April 26, A.D. 121 His real name was M.
Annius Verus, and he was sprung of a noble family which claimed descent from Numa, second King
of Rome. Thus the most religious of emperors came of the blood of the most pious of early kings.
His father, Annius Verus, had held high office in Rome, and his grandfather, of the same name, had
been thrice Consul. Both his parents died young, but Marcus held them in loving remembrance. On
his father's death Marcus was adopted by his grandfather, the consular Annius Verus, and there was
deep love between these two. On the very first page of his book Marcus gratefully declares how of
his grandfather he had learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. The
Emperor Hadrian divined the fine character of the lad, whom he used to call not Verus but
Verissimus, more Truthful than his own name. He advanced Marcus to equestrian rank when six
years of age, and at the age of eight made him a member of the ancient Salian priesthood. The boy's
aunt, Annia Galeria Faustina, was married to Antoninus Pius, afterwards emperor. Hence it came
about that Antoninus, having no son, adopted Marcus, changing his name to that which he is known
by, and betrothed him to his daughter Faustina. His education was conducted with all care. The
ablest teachers were engaged for him, and he was trained in the strict doctrine of the Stoic
philosophy, which was his great delight. He was taught to dress plainly and to live simply, to avoid all softness and luxury. His body was trained to hardihood by wrestling, hunting, and outdoor
games; and though his constitution was weak, he showed great personal courage to encounter the
fiercest boars. At the same time he was kept from the extravagancies of his day. The great
excitement in Rome was the strife of the Factions, as they were called, in the circus. The racing
drivers used to adopt one of four colours—red, blue, white, or green—and their partisans showed an
eagerness in supporting them which nothing could surpass. Riot and corruption went in the train of
the racing chariots; and from all these things Marcus held severely aloof.