Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Marcus Aurelius and the Banishment of Philosophers
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a lesser-known chapter of Marcus Aurelius's reign: the banishment of philosophers from Rome in 176 CE. While the Stoic emperor was known for his philosophical Meditations, he also oversaw the expulsion of Cynics and other teachers accused of corrupting youth. The discussion delves into the political and cultural context, including the influence of the sophist Aelius Aristides, the role of the Antonine Plague, and the tensions between Stoicism, Cynicism, and traditional Roman values. Lucas recounts the events leading up to the decree, the specific…
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