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Marcus Aurelius

By: Donald J. Robertson
Narrated by: Donald J. Robertson
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Publisher's Summary

Experience the world of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the tremendous challenges he faced and overcame with the help of Stoic philosophy

This novel biography brings Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) to life for a new generation by exploring the emperor’s fascinating psychological journey. Donald J. Robertson examines Marcus’s relationships with key figures in his life, such as his mother, Domitia Lucilla, and the emperor Hadrian, as well as his Stoic tutors. He draws extensively on Marcus’s own Meditations and correspondence, and he examines the emperor’s actions as detailed in the Augustan History and other ancient texts.

Marcus Aurelius struggled to reconcile his philosophy and moral values with the political pressures he faced as emperor at the height of Roman power. Robertson examines Marcus’s attitude toward slavery and the moral dilemma posed by capturing enemies in warfare; his attitude toward women; the role of Stoicism in shaping his response to the threat of civil war; the treatment of Christians under his rule; and the naming of his notorious son Commodus as his successor.

Throughout, the Meditations is used to shed light on the mind of the emperor—his character, values, and motives—as Robertson skillfully weaves together Marcus’s inner journey as a philosopher with the outer events of his life as a Roman emperor.

©2024 Donald J. Robertson (P)2024 Yale University Press

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The storyline was relatively and connecting emotionally.

At the start it was too detailed and hard to concentrate and relate to the overall storyline.

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What a man!

If you’ve read meditations you have to listen to this! It puts Marcus within the historical context that he lived. All I will add is you will thoroughly enjoy this book and well done to the author!

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The incredible detail and research behind the book.

I could listen to the author and narrator all day. Some narrators are distracting but not this one.

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