In 175, he faced another challenge, this time for his very position. After hearing a rumor about Marcus Aurelius being deathly ill, Avidius Cassius claimed the title of emperor for himself. This forced Marcus Aurelius to travel to the East to regain control. But he did not have to fight Cassius as he was murdered by his own soldiers. Instead Marcus Aurelius toured eastern provinces with his wife, re-establishing his authority. Unforunately, Faustina died during this trip.
While once again battling the German tribes, Marcus Aurelius made hisson Commodus his co-ruler in 177. Together they fought the northernenemies of the empire. Marcus Aurelius even hoped to extend the empire’s borders through this conflict, but Marcus Aurelius did livelong enough to see this vision to completion.Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180. His son Commodus became emperorand soon ended the northern military efforts. Marcus Aurelius, however,is not best remembered for the wars he waged, but for his contemplativenature and his rule driven by reason. A collection of his thoughts havebeen published in a work called The Meditations. Based on his Stoicbeliefs, the work is filled with his notes on life.
Biography courtesy of BIO.com
Access hundreds of hours of historical video, commercial free, with HISTORY Vault. Start your free trial today.