Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Marcus Aurelius and the Last Stoic Student
We often remember Marcus Aurelius as the solitary philosopher-emperor, but his final years were defined by a complex, sometimes painful mentorship of his son Commodus. This episode explores the relationship between father and heir, examining how Marcus tried to instill Stoic virtues in a young man ill-suited for the discipline required by the purple. We look at specific moments from the Marcomannic Wars where Marcus’s patience was tested, the role of tutors like Fronto and later philosophers, and the political realities that forced Marcus to prioritize stability over idealism. By analyzing…
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