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Antoninus
Source: http://www.roman-empire.net/emperors/emp-index.html
“Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionus Arrius Antoninus was born on 19 September AD
86 at Lanuvium (ca. 20 miles south of Rome). His family had long before come from the
city of Nemausus (Nïmes) in southern Gaul, but for a long time since they had been a
prominent and distinguished family at Rome. Antoninus' father, Titus Aurelius Fulvus,
had held the office of consul once in AD 89, his grandfather had even held it twice.
As a boy Antoninus grew up at the family estate at Lorium in southern Etruria,
roughly 10 miles to the west of Rome. He was raised first by his paternal grandfather, as
his father died when he was still young. On the death of this grandfather, the maternal
grandfather took charge of him. Inheriting the walth of both his grandfathers made
Antoninus one of the richest men in Rome. He embarked on the traditional career for a
senator, climbing the ladder of various offices, achieving the post of quaestor, then
praetor and, alas, in AD 120 becoming consul under emperor Hadrian. After this Hadrian
chose him to be one of the four high judges who administered administered law in Italy.
Next he served as governor of the province of Asia, from AD 135 to 136. Most likely on
the basis of the very good reputation he had made for himself as governor of Asia,
Antoninus, when he returned to Rome was made a member of the imperial council, a
body of advisors to the emperor.
Despite his consulship and remarkable conduct as governor of Asia, Antoninus'
experience of government was fairly limited. More still he possessed no knowledge of
any military matters whatsoever and, other than his stay in the province of Asia, he had
never been beyond the borders of Italy. So it was clearly his impressive person honourable, sound and clearheaded - which won him the respect of the senate and the
emperor.
Then, on his 62nd birthday (24 January AD 138) Hadrian, by now of failing
health, announced he was to adopt Antoninus Pius. The adoption ceremony was held a
month after, on 25 February AD 138. The ceremony revealed Hadrian's plans for the
empire. In adopting Antoninus, Hadrian just sought a safe pair of hands into which to
trust the empire for the immediate future. But 51 years old at the time and childless,
Antoninus was not to be the main aim of Hadrian's intentions. For the ceremony in which
Hadrian adopted Antoninus, simultaeously had Antoninus adopt Marcus Annius Verus
(Marcus Aurelius), Hadrian's young nephew, and Lucius Ceionius Commodus, young son
of the deceased Lucius Ceionius Commodus, who had been Hadrian's first choice as heir.
If however Hadrian had thought that the relatively old Antoninus Pius would not
reign for long before his death would hand power to the heirs he intended then he was
wrong. For Antoninus was to live to the ripe old age of 74 (almost as old as Augustus),
ruling longer than Trajan or Hadrian.
Following the example of Hadrian, Antoninus was also a bearded emperor. Tall
and handsome, physically strong, he possessed a calm and kind nature, though with a
stern, aristocratic air. He represented many of the virtues Roman sought in their emperor.
An accomplished speaker, sound in morals, incorruptible by the temptations of easy
living, not given to flaunt his wealth, he was dedicated to his duties. Compared to his
predecessors Antoninus was clearly not an ambitious emperor. But then he most likely
understood himself as the custodian of an empire which was to be passed on to the young
heirs chosen by Hadrian. And so he sought to maintain, rather than to make his own
mark.
But there is no doubt that Antoninus possessed a willful, even determined side.
For when he began to bend with old age, he wore a truss made of splints of lime wood, to
allow him to walk erect. For evidently it was his decision that Romans should have an
emperor who should walk upright.
Antoninus had no surviving sons. His only surviving daughter Faustina the
younger eventually married Marcus Aurelius, further strengthening the succession
intended by Hadrian.
The reason for the addition 'Pius' (meaning 'dutiful' or 'respectful') to his name is
something which appears unclear even to the Roman historians. Several difference
possibilities are known;
- he used to support his frail and elderly father-in-law with his arm when attentning the
senate
- he pardonned those whom Hadrian embittered by ill-health had sentenced to death
- he insisted on great honours being bestowed on Hadrian, despite general opposition
- he guarded Hadrian agaisnt killing himself when the emperor despaired at his illness
- he was a truly compassionate and kind emperor who ruled with great care and
moderation
At the death of Hadrian on 10 July AD 138, Antoninus' succession to the throne
was a seemless, peaceful event. Ther ewas no opposition. The officials of Hadrian's
government remained largely unchanged. Antoninus, if already respected before his
accession, quickly won the goodwill of the senators, for being a moderate ruler, who was
respectful of the ancient institution of the senate. However, all should not go smoothly at
first. Namely the deification of Hadrian which Antoninus demanded, was vehemently
opposed. Hadrian had been unpopular, even hated. Worse still he had executed some
senators. But it was to be a battle of wills which Antoninus won. He clearly understood it
as his duty to have divine status conferred upon the man, - his adoptive father ! - to whom
he owed the throne. To have failed in this duty would not only have questioned the
honour of Hadrian, but so too that of Antoninus himself. And so, even if deeply
unpopular and bitterly opposed by the senate at that early time of his reign, Antoninus'
reasons were still much understood and respected.
These initial problems behind him, Antoninus won renown for being a mild and
compassionate ruler. He established new laws, protecting slaves from cruelty and abuse.
During his reign two treason trials were conducted, yet not, like in previous reigns,
blindly following the whims and allegations of an emperor, but according to law. Also
Antoninus avoided any witch-hunts to find co-conspirators.
As a consequence to such a style of rule, Antoninus was a popular emperor.
Antoninus did not travel the empire like his predecessor, in fact he hardly ever left
the capital at all during his 23-year rule. And if he left he would never move much further
away from Rome than Campania or Etruria. He said, he worried for the expenses an
emperor and his court might incur upon a province, if he chose to travel.
If Antoninus' reign is much known for its peace and tranqulity, it is due to the
calm of the man, rather than due to there being true peace along the borders of he empire.
Southern Scotland was conquered, with Hadrian's wall being abandoned and a new
defence - the Antonine Wall - being built ca. 40 miles further north. Brigands caused
trouble in Mauretania (AD 150), next trouble arose in Germany, an uprising took place in
Egypt (AD 154), rebellions flared up in Judaea and Greece. Another rebellion arose in
Dacia (AD 158) and conflicts ensued with the Alans. But Antoninus was at times able to
convince an opponent of the futility of war, merely by threatening it. Knowing of the
renown of the Roman legions, he sent a letter to the king of Parthia, Vologaeses telling
him of Rome's willingness to intervene should he decide to attack Armenia. Vologaeses
thougt better of it and dropped his plans for an attack.
Alas, Antoninus died after a very short illness in his sleep, having handed the reins of
government to his adopted son Marcus Aurelius on that very day, 7 March AD 161.
Antoninus, died a very popular man and was deified by the senate without opposition.
His body was laid to rest in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, together with the body of his wife
and sons, who had died much earlier.
Antoninus' famous successor Marcus Aurelius paid this tribute to him: 'Remember his
qualities, so that when your last hour comes your conscience may be as clear as his.'