Marcus Aurelius Lesson

In this lesson, students will examine the reign of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 161 to 180 while managing the devastating Antonine Plague, wars against Germanic tribes along the Danube, and the personal application of Stoic philosophy to imperial decision-making. Students will also evaluate the consequences of his decision to appoint his son Commodus as successor, considering how this choice undermined the stability that Marcus had worked to maintain throughout his rule. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading and research options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.