Antoninus Pius

Full Name: Titus Fulvius Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius
Profession: Roman Emperor

Nationality:

Biography: Antoninus Pius was ruled the Roman Empire from 138 to 161 AD. He is known for his peaceful reign and effective administration.

Antoninus was born near Lanuvium, Italy, in 86 AD. His grandfather, Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus, raised him and inculcated in him a sense of integrity. Antoninus later married Annia Galeria Faustina the Elder and had four children, though only one daughter survived to adulthood.

He held various political offices under Emperor Hadrian and then, in 138, Hadrian adopted Antoninus as his successor. Upon becoming emperor, Antoninus convinced the Senate to deify Hadrian, earning him the title "Pius," meaning dutiful.

Antoninus's reign was marked by peace and prosperity. He managed the empire's finances well, leaving a surplus in the treasury. He alsoimproved access to drinking water and implemented legal reforms, including introducing the concept of presumption of innocence.

During his rule, Antoninus rarely left Italy, managing provincial matters through governors. He oversaw the construction of the Antonine Wall in Scotland, however, expanding Roman territory. A diplomatic mission to China, possibly initiated during his reign, also marked the first known direct contact between Rome and China.

Antoninus adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his heirs. He died in 161 AD at his estate in Lorium. After his death, the Senate deified him, naming him Divus Antoninus, and a column was built in his honor on the Campus Martius in Rome.

Born: September 19, 86
Birthplace: Lanuvium, Italy
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: March 7, 161 (aged 74)