Who was Antoninus Pius? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus

Died At Age: 74

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Faustina the Elder

father: Titus Aurelius Fulvus

mother: Arria Fadilla

children: Faustina the Younger, Lucius Verus

Born Country: Italy

Emperors & Kings Ancient Roman Men

Died on: March 7, 161

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1

What were some major accomplishments of Antoninus Pius during his reign?

Antoninus Pius is known for maintaining peace and stability in the Roman Empire, improving infrastructure, fostering arts and culture, and promoting welfare programs for the citizens.
2

How did Antoninus Pius handle foreign relations during his rule?

Antoninus Pius followed a policy of diplomacy and avoided military conflicts, focusing on maintaining alliances and fostering good relations with neighboring nations.
3

What was Antoninus Pius' approach towards administration and governance?

Antoninus Pius was renowned for his fair and efficient administration, implementing laws to protect the rights of individuals and promote justice throughout the empire.
4

What contributions did Antoninus Pius make to Roman architecture and construction projects?

Antoninus Pius funded various public works projects, including the construction of temples, roads, bridges, and aqueducts, enhancing the infrastructure of the Roman Empire.
5

How did Antoninus Pius shape Roman society and culture during his reign?

Antoninus Pius supported education, philosophy, and the arts, fostering a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in Rome, promoting a sense of civic duty and responsibility among the citizens.

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Childhood & Early Life

Antoninus Pius was born on 19th September 86 AD, near Lanuvium, Italy. He was the only child of Titus Aurelius Fulvus, whose family came from Nemausus. His mother’s name was Arria Fadilla. His father died shortly after his ordinary consulship in 89 AD.

Antoninus was raised by Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus. He was regarded by his contemporaries to be a man of integrity and culture.

He worked in the offices of quaestor and praetor, and due to his success in these roles, he obtained consulship in 120 AD. Eventually, Emperor Hadrian appointed him as one of the four proconsuls to administer Italia. Antoninus’ reputation grew over the next few years owing to his conduct as a proconsul of Asia.

He earned Emperor Hadrian’s favor, and the emperor eventually adopted him as his son and successor on 25th February 138 AD. Hadrian also specified that Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus were to succeed Antoninus as the emperor.

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Accession & Reign

Antoninus Pius ascended the throne on 11 July 138. Upon his accession, his first acts included persuading the senate to grant divine honors to Hadrian, which they had initially refused.

Immediately after Hadrian’s death, Antoninus approached Marcus and requested that his marriage arrangements be amended. His betrothal to Ceionia Fabia was annulled and he was betrothed to Faustina instead.

Shortly after becoming the emperor, Antoninus started building theatres and mausoleums as he was a patron of arts and sciences. He also bestowed honors and monetary rewards upon the teachers of rhetoric and philosophy.

He was regarded as a skilled administrator and builder. By the construction of aqueducts, he gave free access to drinking water to the people not only in Rome but throughout the empire.

The emperor became known for suspending the collection of taxes from cities which were affected by natural disasters. He also provided hefty financial grants for rebuilding and recovery of various Greek cities after two serious earthquakes, the first in 140 and the second in 152. Greek writers such as Aelius Aristides and Pausanias praised him for his major financial aid.

In order to deal with the citizens of the Greek-speaking cities in his empire, Antoninus followed a policy of ingratiating himself with local elites.

He was an avid observer of religious rites and formal celebrations, both Roman and foreign. He was known for formalizing the official cult that was offered to the Great Mother, which from his reign would include a bull sacrifice, also known as a taurobolium. It was previously a private ritual but from now on, it would be conducted for the emperor’s welfare.

There are no records of any military acts in which he took part. In fact, his reign has been regarded as the most peaceful in the history of the Principate. A few violent events, however, did occur in his 23-year reign. A rebellion in Roman Britain was suppressed successfully. He also managed to tackle military disturbances in Mauretania and Tingitana.

Antoninus undertook numerous measures for the enfranchisement of slaves. He favored the principle of “favor libertatis” that gave the putative freedman the benefit of the doubt when the claim to freedom was not clear-cut.

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During his reign, the killing of a slave by his/her master was punishable without previous trial. He also determined that in cases of consistent mistreatment, the slaves could be forcibly sold to another master.

Family & Personal Life

Antoninus Pius married Annia Galeria Faustina the Elder sometime between 110 and 115. She was the daughter of Marcus Annius Verus and Rupilia Faustina. They are believed to have had a happy and stable marriage.

The couple had four children, two sons and two daughters: Marcus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus, Marcus Galerius Aurelius Antoninus, Aurelia Fadilla and Annia Galeria Faustina Minor.

Antoninus cared deeply about his wife. When Faustina died in 141, he was so distressed that he authorized a temple to be built in her name.

Antoninus’ health started deteriorating by the time he reached the age of 70. He passed away on 7th March 161 AD. He was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius as the new Roman emperor.

Facts About Antoninus Pius

Antoninus Pius was known for his exceptional dedication to public service and administration, earning him the nickname "the Roman gentleman."

He was a devoted patron of the arts and culture, supporting numerous poets, philosophers, and scholars during his reign.

Antoninus Pius was a skilled diplomat, known for his ability to maintain peace and stability within the Roman Empire through negotiations and alliances.

Despite his reputation for being a peaceful ruler, Antoninus Pius was also a capable military leader who successfully defended the empire's borders against external threats.

He was a prolific builder, overseeing the construction of numerous public works and infrastructure projects that improved the quality of life for Roman citizens.

Antoninus Pius Biography

You wanted to know

What were some major accomplishments of Antoninus Pius during his reign?

How did Antoninus Pius handle foreign relations during his rule?

What was Antoninus Pius' approach towards administration and governance?

What contributions did Antoninus Pius make to Roman architecture and construction projects?

How did Antoninus Pius shape Roman society and culture during his reign?