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From time to time we see images in text books of statues of leaders of antiquity. These are some of the only representations of these leaders that we know about and they pop out in our minds when we study their lives, their ideas, their lives. So I read that a statue of Marcus Aurelius was found in Turkey, one which appears to be preserved fairly well (though not in one piece). Attached are a few of the photos of the head. More photos are available on the original web site. I believe these photographs were free for the sharing (source: Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project).
I think Marcus Aurelius was the greatest emperor of Rome. If I could equate him to a U.S. President, I would compare him favorably to Thomas Jefferson. Both were great thinkers and both expanded their nations in creative ways. Finally, both were men of peace and organization…and way ahead of their time.
Don,I am not going to take the bait except to point out that Marcus Aurelius was at war for most of his reign and for being a man of peace was exceptionally good at waging war. It is pity that history has produced so few such men of Peace.
Don,I am not going to take the bait except to point out that Marcus Aurelius was at war for most of his reign and for being a man of peace was exceptionally good at waging war. It is pity that history has produced so few such men of Peace.
I understand and appreciate your point. The wars were something Marcus Aurelius hated, but as a philosopher, he understood his role. Still because of his successes in war, Rome enjoyed a long peace afterward. King David was a man of peace, but it fell to him to finish what King Saul failed to do. It is ironic, but all too common in history, for rulers who desire peace to have to spend their careers making war. Lincoln also comes to mind here.
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