Marius the Epicurean · Character

Antoninus Pius

The preceding emperor, whose death is recounted at the start of Marius's Roman sojourn.

minor

Also known as the dying Antoninus Pius, Antoninus, old Antoninus Pius

Antoninus Pius's tie to Marcus Aurelius is one of the pressures that moves Marius the Epicurean—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned as the dying emperor who ordered his golden image of Fortune to be carried to his successor, setting the historical context.

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With Marcus Aurelius (family): Antoninus Pius is Marcus Aurelius's adoptive father and predecessor as emperor, a model of virtuous rule and…

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13 connections

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Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

In this passage, Marius reaches an emotional and psychological peak by confronting his own mortality and the d…

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Marcus Aurelius
family · positive
Antoninus Pius is Marcus Aurelius's adoptive father and predecessor as emperor, a model… How this plays out →

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Antoninus Pius appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Religion of Numa
Mentioned as the dying emperor who ordered his golden image of Fortune to be carried to his successor, setting the historical context.
II: White-Nights
Mentioned as the head of state whose example gave popularity to ceremonial traditions followed by Marius's father.
XI: “The Most Religious City in the World”
Antoninus Pius is mentioned as a predecessor commended for his religious devotion, with coins referencing ancient Roman mythology.
XIX: The Will as Vision
Mentioned in the context of Aurelius's adoption and dream of ivory shoulders.
XXVII: The Triumph of Marcus Aurelius
Remembered for his peaceful life at the villa and his last word 'Aequanimitas!'

Chapter companion notes

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