"Marcus Aurelius Antoninus stands almost alone in the history of the world as a philosopher and philanthopist clothed in royal purple. He was born A.D. 121, adopted by Antoninus Pius in 138, became consul in 140, and succeeded his adoptive father as emperor in 161." — The Delphian Society, 1913

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

"Marcus Aurelius Antoninus stands almost alone in the history of the world as a philosopher and philanthopist…

"Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, eldest son of the Emperor Severus, was born at Lyons A.D. 188; died in 217. On the death of his father he succeeded to the throne with his brother Antoninus Geta, whom he speedily murdered." — Winston's Encyclopedia, 1919

Caracalla

"Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, eldest son of the Emperor Severus, was born at Lyons A.D. 188; died in 217.…

"Equestrian state of Marcus Aurelius." — Young, 1901

Statue of Marcus Aurelius

"Equestrian state of Marcus Aurelius." — Young, 1901

"The next Emperor was Aurelius Probus, officer of the army of Germany. He was chosen by the legions, and recognized by the Senate, A certain Florianus, brother of Tacitus, had in the mean tie assumed the purple without recognition by either the civil or the military power; but presently finding himself abandoned, he made an end by suicide. Probus, who was a soldier and man of worth, was thus left in undisputed possession of the throne. His reign of six years was almost wholly occupied in war."—Ridpath, 1885

Probus

"The next Emperor was Aurelius Probus, officer of the army of Germany. He was chosen by the legions,…