In this accessible and scholarly study, Professor Birley paints a portrait of an emperor who was human and just - an embodiment of the pagan virtues of Rome.

Professor Anthony Birley is Professor of Ancient History at the University of Dusseldorf and was previously at the University of Manchester. He is the author of many books, including a biography of Septimius Severus.

List of Illustrations, Preface, 1. The Age of the Antonines, 2. Family and Early Years, 3. Aurelius Caesar, 4. The Education of an Heir Apparent, 5. The Stoic Prince, 6. The First Years as Emperor, 7. Triumph and Crisis, 8. The Northern Wars, 9. The Last Years, 10. Marcus to Himself, 11. Epilogue, Appendices, 1. Sources, 2. The Antonine Dynasty, 3. The Marcommanic Wars, 4. Christianity, 5. The Illustrations, References and Notes, Abbreviations and Bibliography, Addenda to Bibliography, Index.