Saint Marcus

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, born on April 26, 121, was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was part of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty and the last ruler known as one of the Five Good Emperors. Marcus Aurelius served as Roman consul in 140, 145, and 161. His father, Marcus Annius Verus, died when he was three years old, and he was raised by his mother and paternal grandfather. Hadrian adopted Marcus's uncle Antoninus Pius as his heir after the death of Aelius Caesar in 138. In turn, Antoninus adopted Marcus and Lucius, the son of Aelius. Marcus married Antoninus's daughter Faustina in 145. After Antoninus died in 161, Marcus acceded to the throne alongside his adoptive brother, who took the regnal name Lucius Aurelius Verus.