Antoninus Pius
Antoninus Pius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 138 to 161 CE, notable for his wealth, good character, and a peaceful reign. Born into a powerful family, he held various traditional Roman offices, including consul and proconsul, before gaining prominence as a judicial legate under Emperor Hadrian. Upon Hadrian's adoption of him as his heir, Antoninus ascended to the throne and adopted future emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. His governance was characterized by a collaborative relationship with the Roman Senate, earning him the title "Pius" to signify his goodwill towards both the Senate and the Roman gods. During his reign, Antoninus Pius successfully managed military challenges in regions such as Scotland, North Africa, and Germany, while also negotiating peace with the Parthians, contributing to the financial and political stability of the empire. His era is often celebrated for the relative peace, though it marked the beginning of challenges that would later intensify in the Roman Empire. Antoninus Pius's legacy reflects a significant period in Roman history, bridging the accomplishments of earlier emperors and the difficulties faced by his successors.
Antoninus Pius
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Emperor
Life
Born to powerful parents and known for his wealth and good character, Antoninus Pius (an-tuh-NI-nuhs PI-uhs) rose quickly through the traditional Roman offices. In 120 c.e., he was elected consul and from 135 to 136 c.e. served as the proconsul in Asia, giving him both provincial and domestic governing experience. However, it was his service to the emperor Hadrian (117-138 c.e.) as a judicial legate in Italy that brought Antoninus to the imperial throne. Adopted by Hadrian to be his son and heir, Antoninus peacefully came to power in 138 c.e., after which he adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his own successors. His relationship with the Roman senate was such that the senators voted him the title “Pius” in acknowledgment of his good will toward them and toward the traditional gods of the Roman state. This was a relief for the ruling institutions of Rome after years of tension between Hadrian and the senate. The literature from this period and afterward praises Antoninus Pius for a peaceful reign. Though he had to meet the challenges of warfare in Scotland, North Africa, Egypt, and Germany, this emperor successfully negotiated peace with the Parthians and kept the empire financially and politically stable.
Influence
Although the celebration of Rome’s nine hundredth anniversary in 148 c.e. took place during a period of strength and peace, the troubles within the Roman Empire and on its borders, so aptly controlled by Antoninus and his successor Marcus Aurelius, would explode into major difficulties by the mid-180’s c.e. Antoninus, therefore, oversaw the beginning of the end of the Pax Romana.
Bibliography
Grant, M. The Antonines: The Roman Empire in Transition. London: Routledge, 1994.
Hammond, M. The Antonine Monarchy. Rome: The American Academy, 1959.
Hüttl, W. Antoninus Pius. New York: Arno Press, 1975.