Have you ever wondered about the timeline of historical figures?
Specifically, have you ever questioned whether Marcus Aurelius lived before or after Jesus?
It’s a fascinating question that has sparked much debate and discussion.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore the cultural and societal differences between these two figures.
We’ll also examine why there are more sculptures and paintings of one than the other.
So, let’s dive in and explore the timeline of these two historical figures.
Was Marcus Aurelius Before Jesus
The timeline of historical figures is a topic that has fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike for centuries. One question that often arises is whether Marcus Aurelius lived before or after Jesus.
The answer is clear: Marcus Aurelius lived after Jesus. While the exact dates of Jesus’ life are debated, most historians agree that he lived between roughly 4 BCE and 30/33 CE. Meanwhile, Marcus Aurelius lived from 121 CE to 180 CE. Therefore, Jesus was older than Marcus Aurelius by over a century.
Despite this clear timeline, there are some interesting cultural and societal differences between these two figures that may explain why there are more sculptures and paintings of one than the other.
Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor, a person with significant political and military clout, who had several notable successful military campaigns as well as being known for his stoic writings. Creating sculptures of Roman Emperors was a well-established tradition, and there are many examples of busts and sculptures of Roman Emperors throughout history.
In contrast, Jesus of Nazareth was an itinerant apocalyptic preacher who likely was executed. Although his followers claimed he was the Messiah, those claims were not unique. Although such figures had followings, we don’t have evidence of there being a tradition of creating sculptures or images of these leaders.
Furthermore, the Jewish faith prohibits the creation of idols or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. Even if more liberal-minded Jews could accept non-religious statues or paintings, any visual depiction of the Divine was considered taboo. Many prominent Fathers of the Church opposed visual depictions of Jesus up until the IV century and preferred symbols like Ichthys, Chi-Rho or Tau-Rho rather than actual statues or paintings.
Introduction: The Timeline Of Historical Figures
Understanding the timeline of historical figures is crucial for gaining insights into the cultural and societal differences between them. Marcus Aurelius and Jesus of Nazareth are two such figures who are often compared and contrasted. While Jesus lived between roughly 4 BCE and 30/33 CE, Marcus Aurelius lived from 121 CE to 180 CE, making Jesus older than Marcus Aurelius by over a century. Despite this clear timeline, there are some interesting differences between these two figures that may explain why there are more sculptures and paintings of one than the other. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.
Marcus Aurelius And Jesus: A Comparison Of Cultural And Societal Differences
While Marcus Aurelius and Jesus lived in different times, their cultural and societal differences are worth examining. One of the most significant differences is their social status. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor, while Jesus was an itinerant preacher. As such, Marcus Aurelius had significant political and military power, which allowed for the creation of sculptures and paintings of him as a way to commemorate his reign. In contrast, Jesus did not hold any political or military power, and his followers were more concerned with spreading his teachings rather than creating visual depictions of him.
Another difference between the two figures is their religious context. Christianity was a new and emerging religion during Marcus Aurelius’ reign, and Christians were often persecuted for their beliefs. In contrast, Marcus Aurelius practiced Stoicism, which was a well-established philosophy at the time. The Stoics believed in living in accordance with nature and accepting whatever happens as part of the natural order of things. This philosophy was widely accepted in Roman society, and it influenced many aspects of Roman culture.
Finally, there are also differences in the way these two figures were remembered after their deaths. Marcus Aurelius was remembered as a great emperor who led Rome through difficult times, and many sculptures and paintings of him were created to commemorate his reign. In contrast, Jesus was remembered as a religious figure whose teachings inspired millions of people around the world. While there are no known images of Jesus created during his lifetime or shortly after his death, his teachings have had a profound impact on Western culture and society.
The Debate: Did Marcus Aurelius Live Before Or After Jesus?
Despite the clear timeline placing Marcus Aurelius after Jesus, there has been some debate over the years about the exact timing of their lives. French novelist Gustave Flaubert famously observed that there was a unique moment in history between Cicero and Marcus Aurelius when man stood alone, referring to the period before the rise of Christianity. However, as we now know, Christianity was already a rising sect before Marcus Aurelius, and in fact, he even persecuted Christians during his reign.
It’s worth noting that there are some similarities between the Stoic philosophy practiced during Marcus Aurelius’ time and the teachings of Christianity. The Apostle Paul, for example, engaged in discussions with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers in Athens around 50 AD and borrowed some of the Stoics’ ideas about freedom from passion and indifferent things.
Despite these similarities, it’s important to remember that Jesus and Marcus Aurelius lived in very different times and had very different roles in society. Jesus was a religious figure who preached love and compassion, while Marcus Aurelius was a political leader who oversaw a vast empire. While both have left lasting legacies, their lives and teachings are not interchangeable.
The Legacy Of Marcus Aurelius And Jesus: Why One Has More Sculptures And Paintings Than The Other
While there are some cultural and societal differences that may explain why there are more sculptures and paintings of Marcus Aurelius than Jesus, it is important to note that these differences do not necessarily reflect the significance or legacy of these two figures.
Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, and his reign marked the end of a period of internal tranquility and good government. He is often seen as a symbol of the Golden Age of the Roman Empire. As an Emperor, he had significant political and military clout, which made him a popular subject for sculptures and paintings throughout history.
On the other hand, Jesus of Nazareth was an itinerant preacher who likely did not have any significant political or military power during his lifetime. However, his teachings and life have had a profound impact on Western civilization and beyond. Christianity, the religion that grew out of his teachings, has become one of the world’s largest religions, with over 2 billion followers worldwide.
While there may be more sculptures and paintings of Marcus Aurelius than Jesus, the legacy and impact of Jesus’ teachings continue to be felt today. From art to literature to music, Jesus’ influence can be seen throughout Western culture. In contrast, while Marcus Aurelius was an important figure in Roman history, his impact on Western civilization is not as significant as that of Jesus.
