When we think of the Roman Empire, we often associate it with the Latin language. So it may come as a surprise to learn that one of the most famous works of Roman philosophy, Meditations, was actually written in ancient Greek.
But why did Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor born and raised in Rome, choose to write his personal notes in a language that was not his native tongue?
In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this decision and what it tells us about Marcus Aurelius’s life and philosophy.
Join us as we delve into the mind of one of history’s most renowned Stoic thinkers.
Why Did Marcus Aurelius Write In Greek
There are a few theories as to why Marcus Aurelius chose to write his personal notes in Greek rather than Latin.
One possibility is that Greek was the language of philosophy at the time. Marcus Aurelius was a student of philosophy and was heavily influenced by Stoicism, a Greek school of thought. Writing in Greek may have been a way for him to better connect with the philosophical ideas he was exploring.
Another theory is that Marcus Aurelius wrote his notes in Greek as a way to distance himself from his role as emperor. Writing in Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, may have made it difficult for him to separate his personal thoughts from his official duties. By writing in Greek, he could create a clear separation between his public and private personas.
It’s also worth noting that Marcus Aurelius’s notes were not intended for publication. They were personal reflections meant to guide his own behavior and improve his character. Writing in Greek may have simply been a matter of personal preference or convenience.
Introduction
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, is known for his personal writings in a collection called Meditations. What is interesting about this collection is that it was written in Greek, despite Marcus Aurelius being a Roman Emperor born in Rome and tutored in Latin. This has led to speculation as to why he chose to write in Greek instead of his native language. In this article, we will explore some of the theories behind this decision.
The Roman Empire And Latin Language
Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire and was widely spoken by the educated elite, including Marcus Aurelius. As a Roman emperor and a student of philosophy, he would have been well-versed in Latin. However, it is important to note that the text we call Meditations was not intended for publication. It was a private notebook where Marcus Aurelius recorded his personal thoughts and reflections.
Despite Latin being the language of the Roman Empire, Greek was the lingua franca of the Eastern Roman Empire and the language of philosophy. It is possible that Marcus Aurelius wrote in Greek to better connect with the philosophical ideas he was exploring. Additionally, writing in Greek may have allowed him to distance himself from his role as emperor and create a clear separation between his public and private personas.
It is also worth considering that Marcus Aurelius may have simply preferred writing in Greek for personal reasons. However, given his interest in philosophy and Stoicism, it is likely that his choice of language was deliberate and influenced by his philosophical beliefs.
Marcus Aurelius: A Brief Biography
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who was born in Rome, Italy in 121 CE. He was born into a wealthy and politically prominent family and was a dedicated student, learning Latin and Greek. However, his greatest intellectual interest was Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized fate, reason, and self-restraint. He was heavily influenced by Discourses, a book authored by Epictetus, a former slave and Stoic philosopher.
After being adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius at the age of 17, Marcus Aurelius worked alongside his adoptive father while learning the ways of government and public affairs. He became emperor in 161 CE, reigning until his death in 180 CE. He was well-loved by his people for his attempts to rule with morality in mind and for not partaking in many of the corrupt governmental practices of his predecessors and successors.
Marcus Aurelius’ legacy has survived to this day as an ardent practitioner of stoicism. He is well respected by historians from Ancient Rome and is commonly attributed the title of the Philosopher King. His personal notes, known as the Meditations, were not intended for publication but were reflections meant to guide his own behavior and improve his character. Although it is uncertain why he chose to write in Greek rather than Latin, it may have been a way for him to better connect with the philosophical ideas he was exploring or to create a clear separation between his public and private personas.
Meditations: A Personal Reflection
Meditations is a collection of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. The work consists of 12 books written in Koine Greek, and it is believed that Marcus wrote them as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.
The Meditations were not intended for publication, but rather as a way for Marcus to reflect on his own thoughts and actions. The personal nature of the work is evident in the form of quotations, varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs. It is possible that Marcus wrote in Greek as a way to better connect with the philosophical ideas he was exploring, as Greek was the language of philosophy at the time.
However, another theory suggests that Marcus may have written in Greek as a way to distance himself from his role as emperor. Writing in Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, may have made it difficult for him to separate his personal thoughts from his official duties. By writing in Greek, he could create a clear separation between his public and private personas.
Regardless of his reasons for writing in Greek, the Meditations provide insight into the personal reflections of one of history’s most notable figures. They offer a glimpse into the inner workings of a philosopher king and serve as a reminder that even those in positions of great power and influence struggle with their own thoughts and emotions.
The Greek Language And Its Influence On Philosophy
Greek was the language of philosophy in the ancient world, and it had a significant influence on Marcus Aurelius’s philosophical outlook. As a student of philosophy, Aurelius was heavily influenced by Stoicism, a Greek school of thought. Stoicism emphasized self-control, rationality, and the importance of living in accordance with nature. The Stoics believed that philosophy should be a way of life, not just an abstract intellectual pursuit.
Greek philosophy was also closely tied to the Greek language. The Greeks believed that language played a crucial role in shaping one’s thoughts and understanding of the world. Greek was considered to be a particularly precise and expressive language, well-suited for philosophical discourse. Many of the most important works of ancient philosophy were written in Greek, including the works of Plato, Aristotle, and Epictetus.
For Marcus Aurelius, writing in Greek may have been a way to better connect with the philosophical ideas he was exploring. By writing in the language of philosophy, he could more easily express his thoughts and ideas. It may have also been a way for him to distance himself from his role as emperor and focus on his personal development as a philosopher.
The Stoic Philosophy Of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher, heavily influenced by the teachings of Epictetus and Apollonius. Stoicism is a Greek school of philosophy that emphasizes the importance of reason, self-control, and the acceptance of fate. In his personal notes, known as Meditations, Marcus Aurelius frequently references Stoic principles and uses them to guide his own behavior.
One of the key tenets of Stoicism is the idea that individuals should focus on what they can control and accept what they cannot. This is reflected in Marcus Aurelius’s writing, where he frequently reminds himself to focus on his own thoughts and actions rather than external events. He also emphasizes the importance of accepting one’s own mortality and the inevitability of death.
Another important aspect of Stoicism is the idea that individuals should strive to live in accordance with nature. Marcus Aurelius frequently references this concept in his writing, encouraging himself to live in harmony with the world around him and to accept its imperfections.
Stoicism also places a great emphasis on virtue and moral character. Marcus Aurelius frequently reflects on his own character flaws and works to improve himself through self-reflection and self-discipline. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, even in difficult situations.
Overall, Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic philosophy is reflected in his personal notes, which serve as a guide for his own behavior and self-improvement. Writing in Greek may have allowed him to better connect with these philosophical ideas and separate his personal thoughts from his official duties as emperor.
