Introduction
This article will focus on the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, Including Antoninus Pius’s early life, his reign as Emperor, his character, personal life, and death. We will also discuss the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.
Antoninus Pius’s Early Life
Antoninus was born in the year 86 CE during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. At his birth, he was given the name “Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus.” His family was a part of the Aurelian family, which was a plebian family. However, they had been a family of influence since the 3rd century BCE during the Roman republic. Many of his family members held important roles such as consul.
His family’s lineage originates from southern Gaul. Growing up, he was first taken care of by his paternal grandfather and later by his maternal grandfather.
Being raised by multiple grandparents made Antoninus quite wealthy due to his amount of inheritance.
Decision and Character
As he started his journey on a senate career, he was seen as quite capable because of his time as a quaestor and praetor. He had excellent skill and success when compared to the people who came before him. Due to his hard work, in 120 CE he became consul of Rome.
Contemporary historians have said that as Antoninus gained more responsibility and power, he seemed to become more focused on his duty, rather than the norm of “leading a life of corruption.”
Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius
Antoninus became the emperor of Rome on the 11th of July, 138 CE, and ruled until the 7th of march, 161 CE. Antoninus Pius, during his reign, saw no military combat. He never led any army or engaged in military campaigns. Even still, he was considered a great administrator for the empire.
He left one of the most significant surpluses of gold and silver, equaling 2.7 billion sesterces. This wasn’t repeated till much later in the empire.
He was also known as a builder. Under his reign, he increased the overall access to free drinking water for the less fortunate citizens of Rome. He accomplished this by expanding the water’s reach.
Personal Life
It is believed that sometime between 110 CE and 115 CE, Antoninus married Faustina the Elder. During their marriage, they had four children together. Two boys and two girls. All three, except one, would die before the year 138 CE. The one surviving daughter we know today as Faustina the Younger, a future empress of Rome.
In 141 CE Antoninus Pius’s wife, Faustina the Elder, passed away. During this time, Antoninus was greatly distressed. He ended up asking the senate to deify her, which led to the Temple of Faustina being built. He also had coins with her name and portrait on them minted.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
The Temple of Faustina was founded in 141 CE following the death of his wife. This building made Faustina the first empress with such representation in the Forum Romanum.
After Antoninus Pius passed away, It was dedicated to both of them in 161 CE. Its name was changed to The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.
During some time in the 7th century CE (assumed timeline), it was changed to a catholic church. Which would be known as “Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Miranda.”
Antoninus Pius Death
At the age of 70, his health started to decline. He would live for another 4 years before passing away on the 7th of March 161 CE. There is a story that two days before his death, he was at his family’s estate in Lorium. There it is believed he overate Alpine Gruyere cheese. Throughout the night he would continually wake up to vomit.
The next day he developed a fever. Antoninus Pius’s death would mark the longest reign since Augustus. He would also be known to history as the fourth of the five good emperors.
Historians mark that Antoninus Pius’s funeral was “elaborate”. Although his funeral was similar to past emperors since he would be incinerated on a pyre.
Roman Denarius
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Silver Roman Coins
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