The Roman Empire was one of the most influential empires in history, spanning across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. At the heart of this empire were the emperors who ruled over it.
One of the most well-known emperors was Marcus Aurelius, who was not only a ruler but also a philosopher. There has been much debate about whether or not Marcus Aurelius wanted to restore Rome to its previous republican system.
In this article, we will explore this question and delve into the life and beliefs of this fascinating historical figure. So, did Marcus Aurelius want Rome to be a republic?
Let’s find out.
Did Marcus Aurelius Want Rome To Be A Republic
There is no evidence to suggest that Marcus Aurelius wanted to restore Rome to its previous republican system. While he was a fan of Cicero and praised his idea of a Republic, he also recognized that Rome could not change from what it was.
In fact, Marcus Aurelius had every intention of handing the empire over to his son Commodus, who was the named heir for some 14 years and then became co-emperor with his father for a few years before Aurelius’ death in 180.
While some may argue that Marcus Aurelius would have loved to restore the republic or do anything that would permit him to retreat to a nice villa in Greece to learn and debate philosophy, he was too dutiful a man to do something that would destabilize the already threatened empire even further.
Who Was Marcus Aurelius?
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors, a group of rulers who were known for their just and fair governance. Marcus Aurelius was also a philosopher and is known for his book, “Meditations,” which reflects on his personal philosophy and Stoic beliefs.
During his reign, Marcus Aurelius faced many challenges, including wars on multiple fronts and a devastating plague that killed millions of people. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his duties as emperor and worked tirelessly to maintain the stability of the empire.
Marcus Aurelius was also known for his promotion of individuals based on merit, rather than their social status or background. He appointed men from humble origins to high positions in his government, which caused some controversy at the time.
The Roman Republic Vs. The Roman Empire
The Roman Republic and the Roman Empire were two distinct political systems that ruled over Rome. The Roman Republic was established in 509 BCE, following the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. It was a system of government in which power was held by elected officials, including two consuls, a Senate, and an Assembly of the People. The Republic was characterized by its emphasis on civic duty and the rule of law.
The Roman Empire, on the other hand, was established in 27 BCE with the rise of Augustus as the first emperor of Rome. The Empire was characterized by a centralized system of government in which power was held by one individual, the emperor. The Senate still existed, but its power was greatly diminished, and it became more of an advisory body than a governing one.
The shift from Republic to Empire was a significant political shift in Rome’s history. While the early emperors like Augustus and Trajan were able to maintain stability and prosperity, there remained an undercurrent of the Republican system that made the position of the emperor a precarious one. Rome never entirely rejected her Republican roots.
In addition to political changes, Roman religion and culture also saw changes from Republic to Empire. The Senate declared most of the deceased emperors to be gods, and Imperial cults were added to Roman worship. The influx of money and goods led to the development of a much more luxurious lifestyle in Rome and surrounding resort cities, with lavish bathing, dining, and public entertainment becoming increasingly ostentatious.
Despite these changes, there were still those who longed for the days of the Republic, including Marcus Aurelius. However, as mentioned above, he recognized that Rome could not change from what it was and had every intention of passing on his power to his son Commodus. Ultimately, the shift from Republic to Empire marked a significant change in Rome’s history and had lasting effects on its culture, religion, and politics.
The Stoic Philosophy Of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a devout follower of Stoic philosophy, which emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life and accepting the things that could not be changed. His famous work, Meditations, is a reflection of his Stoic beliefs and has been praised for its wisdom and practicality.
One of the key tenets of Stoicism is the idea of detachment from external events and emotions. Marcus Aurelius believed that one should not be controlled by their circumstances or emotions, but rather should maintain a sense of inner peace and composure in all situations. This philosophy is evident in his writings, as he repeatedly reminds himself to detach from the difficulties of the world and to treat all fates as equal.
Another important aspect of Stoicism is the idea of living in accordance with nature. Marcus Aurelius believed that everything in the universe was interconnected and that one should strive to live in harmony with nature. This meant accepting one’s place in the world and fulfilling one’s duty to society.
Did Marcus Aurelius Express A Desire For A Republic?
Although Marcus Aurelius was known to admire the republican ideals of figures such as Cicero, there is no record of him expressing a desire to restore the republic during his reign as emperor. In fact, his private correspondence and official letters suggest that he was fully committed to maintaining the stability and order of the empire.
In one of his letters to his friend Fronto, Marcus Aurelius acknowledges the value of republican ideals but also recognizes that Rome had evolved beyond that system. He writes, “I also love the Republic, but what can I do? My fate has given me the empire and I must govern it.” This statement reflects his understanding that Rome could not simply revert back to a republican system without causing further chaos.
Furthermore, Marcus Aurelius had every intention of passing on the empire to his son Commodus, indicating that he saw the imperial system as a viable way to maintain stability and continuity in Rome. While Commodus’ reign was marked by corruption and decline, Marcus Aurelius believed that a strong and stable imperial system was necessary for the well-being of Rome.
The Legacy Of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius is remembered as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, who were known for their wise and just rule. His reign marked the end of a period of internal tranquility and good government, and after his death, the empire quickly descended into civil war. However, he is also remembered for his philosophical work, Meditations, which has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy.
As a philosopher king, Marcus Aurelius embodied the Platonic concept of a ruler who does not seek power for his own sake but to help his people. He was deeply influenced by Stoic philosophy and held a philosophical view throughout his life. His Meditations reflect his belief that one’s inner state is more important than external circumstances, and that one can find peace and happiness by living in accordance with reason and nature.
Marcus Aurelius’ legacy also extends to his role as an emperor who recognized the importance of preserving the Roman Empire. While he may have praised Cicero’s idea of a Republic, he recognized that Rome could not change from what it was. He had every intention of handing the empire over to his son Commodus, who became co-emperor with him for a few years before Aurelius’ death in 180.
Overall, Marcus Aurelius’ legacy as an emperor and philosopher continues to inspire people today. His commitment to duty, wisdom, and justice serves as an example for leaders everywhere, while his philosophical ideas continue to influence Western thought.
