The Ancients: "Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher Emperor"

Podcast: The Ancients
Host: Tristan Hughes
Guest: Professor William Stevens, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Crichton University
Original Release: October 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the life, philosophy, and reign of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and revered Stoic thinker. Host Tristan Hughes interviews Professor William Stevens to explore Aurelius’ upbringing, adoption of Stoicism, his handling of crises such as wars, plagues, and political intrigue, and the enduring legacy of "Meditations" (referred to as the "Memoranda" by Stevens). The discussion contextualizes Marcus’ personal philosophy and actions within the challenges of second-century Rome, providing insight into both his approach to leadership and the text that has shaped centuries of thinkers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Marcus Aurelius’ Enduring Popularity & the "Meditations" (01:04–04:46)

• Marcus Aurelius is famed today primarily because of his philosophical writings, traditionally called the "Meditations."
• Professor Stevens argues for the term "Memoranda" as a more faithful descriptor (04:23).
• Stoicism has seen a major resurgence in recent decades as a practical guide to life, with Marcus’ writings central to this movement (05:00).
• The preserved Stoic corpus includes Seneca, Epictetus (who deeply influenced Marcus), Musonius Rufus, and Marcus (05:00–06:05).

Notable Quote:
"Stoicism as a practical guide to life...has become, some people describe it as a life hack."
—Prof. William Stevens (04:58)

Assessing Marcus' Character and Context (06:05–07:55)

• He is often branded a “good guy in a bad time”—oversimplified, says Stevens. Marcus was devoted to virtue (justice, wisdom, temperance, courage) but also exercised force to defend the Empire.
• He was not a pacifist; as emperor, he had to command armies against invasions.

Notable Quote:
"He was not a pacifist...he was an emperor commanding armies of hundreds of thousands."
—Prof. William Stevens (07:30)

Sources For Marcus’ Life and the "Memoranda" as Historical Evidence (07:55–11:58)

• Primary sources: the "Historia Augusta," other late Roman biographies/senatorial histories, coins, busts, and archaeological finds.
• "Memoranda" is not a narrative of events—book one lists teachers and role models, focusing on virtues rather than biographical detail (09:50–11:11).
• Marcus’ reflections were mostly written during military campaigns, especially near the Danube (11:22–11:58).

Early Life, Adoption, and Reluctant Leadership (12:19–15:33)

• Marcus was chosen and groomed for emperorship by Hadrian, adopted by Antoninus Pius after his own father’s early death.
• He only accepted sole rule if Lucius Verus, his adoptive brother, was named co-emperor—the first such arrangement in Roman history (14:46–15:07).
• This period closes the era of the "adoptive" (rather than dynastic) emperors (15:07).

Antoninus Pius’ Influence & the Role of Fortune (15:34–19:42)

• Antoninus Pius was a major influence and model of humility, restraint, and rejection of divine status—as described by Marcus in his own writings.
• Because Antoninus ruled during a rare period of peace, Marcus inherited an empire but with little practical experience for wartime crises (18:11–19:42).
• Marcus was more philosophical; Lucius Verus was unphilosophical and pleasure-seeking (19:57).

Notable Quote:
"He liked entertainment...not bookish, not philosophical. He was a playboy."
—Prof. William Stevens on Lucius Verus (19:57–20:34)

The Parthian War and the Onset of Plague (21:58–29:32)

• Marcus and Lucius become emperors in 161 CE. The Parthian War breaks out within a year and a half—Lucius is sent east while Marcus manages Rome.
• The war is a watershed: it spreads a devastating plague, likely via returning troops. Marcus' management focuses on day-to-day governance, delegation, and stoic restraint in the face of applause or criticism (22:36–26:55).

Plague, Religion, and the Scapegoating of Christians (29:32–40:34)

• The Antonine Plague spreads rapidly due to troop movements and poor understanding of disease; Galen, the celebrated physician, treats Marcus and observes the outbreak (33:48–34:46).
• The plague destabilizes societal-religious rituals (the “pax deorum”): Romans blame the gods being angered and look for scapegoats, often targeting Christians who refuse to participate in traditional rites (31:23–38:27).
• Marcus himself does not personally order persecutions but they happen during his reign, conducted by local officials (38:31–40:34).

Notable Quote:
"Did Marcus persecute the Christians? My answer would be no. Were Christians persecuted during Marcus's reign? Absolutely yes."
—Prof. William Stevens (38:31)

The Northern Wars, Hardship, and Personal Loss (40:46–50:10)

• Lucius Verus claims victory for the Parthian War but dies (probably of the plague) early in the Danube campaigns, leaving Marcus to lead alone.
• Marcus is hands-on during the northern wars, consulting with military experts but staying close to the front (45:02–46:27).
• The horrors of war leave a mark on his writings—he philosophizes about the severed limbs on battlefields, drawing Stoic lessons about the individual’s role in the whole society (46:41).
• At home, Marcus and his wife Faustina endure rumors of infidelity and the need to auction off personal possessions to shore up imperial finances (48:41–51:36).

Notable Quote:
"What is an emperor's purple robe?... It's sheep's wool dyed in shellfish blood."
—Prof. William Stevens (52:04–52:20)

Stoicism in Practice: Facing What You Can't Control (55:25–57:43)

• Marcus internalizes and teaches the distinction between what one can and cannot control, urging focus on personal attitudes and choices—the central doctrine from Epictetus (56:04–57:30).
• Despite all hardship, Marcus attempts to legislate for societal good (e.g., protections for widows and orphans) and shows clemency during internal revolts such as Avidius Cassius’ (57:43–60:36).

Death, Succession, and Major Reflections (60:36–62:52)

• Marcus contemplates mortality regularly in his writings, as Stoic practice dictates. Having suffered extensive personal losses (including many children), he ultimately makes his young son Commodus co-emperor to secure succession.
• This marks a momentous shift back to dynastic succession after generations of ‘chosen’ emperors. There is evidence Marcus worried about Commodus’ fitness to rule (62:52–63:31).

Notable Quote:
"Once Marcus was dead, he had no power to control Commodus whatsoever. That was something very, very much not up to him."
—Prof. William Stevens (63:31–65:16)

Death, Apotheosis, and Lasting Legacy (66:44–72:00)

• Marcus is deified after death, honored with monumental works in Rome such as the triumphal column and equestrian statue.
• The Middle Ages remembered him for justice and mercy; Christians later both sanctified and vilified him, depending on their interpretation of persecution records.
• Today, Marcus Aurelius is perhaps the most-read ancient author thanks to “Meditations”—his influence reaches from world leaders to athletes and beyond.

Notable Quotes:
"He was a philosopher king. I mean this is the title of my book, he was a philosopher king, but not quite the way that Plato describes."
—Prof. William Stevens (71:13)
"The number of professors who were teaching Marcus... is dwarfed by the number of Stoic practitioners who turn to Marcus to try to get their own minds in order."
—Prof. William Stevens (71:32–72:05)

Notable Moments and Quotes (by Timestamp)

• On Marcus' Modern Fame:
  “Stoicism as a practical guide to life... has become, some people describe it as a life hack.” – Stevens (04:58)
• On Lucius Verus: “He liked entertainment... not bookish, not philosophical. He was a playboy.” – Stevens (19:57–20:34)
• On Plague & Scapegoating:
  “Did Marcus persecute the Christians? My answer would be no. Were Christians persecuted during Marcus's reign? Absolutely yes.” – Stevens (38:31)
• On Wealth and Stoicism:
  “What is an emperor's purple robe?... It's sheep's wool dyed in shellfish blood.” – Stevens (52:04)
• On Distinguishing What Is and Is Not Up To Us:
  “It is just insanity to allow yourself to become obsessed with events, other people’s actions...these are the things that are not up to us.” – Stevens (56:23)
• On Marcus’ Legacy:
  “He was a philosopher king... not quite the way Plato describes.” – Stevens (71:13)
• On Enduring Influence:
  “The number of professors who were teaching Marcus... is dwarfed by Stoic practitioners who turn to Marcus...” – Stevens (71:32)

Suggested Listening Order (Timestamps for Key Segments)

• Marcus’ character and rise to power: 06:05–15:33
• Influence of Antoninus Pius and Lucius Verus: 15:34–21:58
• Parthian War & Plague: 21:58–34:46
• Plague, Christianity, and persecution: 34:46–40:34
• Northern wars and Marcus' practical Stoicism: 45:02–57:30
• Later years, succession, and enduring impact: 57:43–72:05

Overall Tone

The conversation is engaging, vivid, and accessible; both host and guest blend scholarly insight with storytelling, humor, and the human dimensions of Marcus and his world. Professor Stevens’ approach is practical and sometimes gently irreverent, particularly in his demystification of luxury and social convention, mirroring Marcus’ own thought.

Conclusion

Through this episode, listeners gain a nuanced portrait of Marcus Aurelius—not just as a Stoic sage, but as a complex leader beset by relentless crises, personal losses, difficult choices, and the burden of legacy. The episode richly contextualizes why his teachings have survived across millennia and why his model of philosophy-in-action continues to resonate today.

Guest’s Book Mentioned:
Marcus Aurelius, Philosopher King — William Stevens (72:15)

Listen to the full episode for primary quotes, detailed stories from Marcus' life, and an animated discussion of enduring Stoic principles.