# Antoninus Pius > 15th Roman Emperor (138–161) **Wikidata**: [Q1429](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1429) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoninus_Pius) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antoninus-pius ## Summary Antoninus Pius was born on September 19, 86, in Lanuvium and was a citizen of Ancient Rome [1]. He practiced the ancient Roman religion and was the son of Titus Aurelius Fulvus [2]. He held several political positions, including Roman emperor from 138 to 161, ancient Roman senator, and Roman consul [3]. He was married to Faustina the Elder [4], and together they had six children: Faustina the Younger, Marcus Galerius Aurelius Antoninus, Aurelia Fadilla, Marcus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus, Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus [5].Antoninus Pius died on March 7, 161, in Lorium due to plague [1]. He was buried at Castel Sant'Angelo . His tenure as emperor was marked by stability and administrative continuity within the Roman Empire. He remained active in politics throughout his life, serving in key roles before and during his rule [3]. His family connections included prominent figures in Roman imperial lineage, particularly through his son Marcus Aurelius, who succeeded him as emperor [5]. His death ended a period of relative peace and effective governance in Rome [1]. ## Summary Antoninus Pius was the 15th Roman Emperor, ruling from 138 to 161 CE, and is recognized as one of the "Five Good Emperors" of Rome. He is known for maintaining peace and stability across the empire during his reign, avoiding major military conflicts and focusing on administrative and legal reforms. ## Biography - Born: 19 September 86 CE - Nationality: Ancient Rome - Education: Not specified - Known for: Reigning during a period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire - Employer(s): Roman Empire (Emperor) - Field(s): Politics, Governance ## Contributions Antoninus Pius contributed to the Roman Empire through a long and peaceful reign marked by: - Administrative and legal reforms that strengthened imperial governance. - A policy of non-expansionism, avoiding unnecessary military campaigns. - The construction of public works, including the Column of Antoninus Pius, erected in his honor in 161 CE. - Oversight of the Antonine Wall in Roman Britain, a defensive fortification built in 142 CE. His rule is often characterized by internal stability and a focus on law and order rather than territorial conquest. ## FAQs ### What is Antoninus Pius known for? Antoninus Pius is known for being the 15th Roman Emperor, ruling from 138 to 161 CE. His reign is noted for its peace and stability, with no major military conflicts, focusing instead on governance and legal reforms. ### What public works are associated with Antoninus Pius? Antoninus Pius is associated with the construction of the Antonine Wall in Roman Britain (built in 142 CE) and the Column of Antoninus Pius, a commemorative structure erected in 161 CE. ### How is Antoninus Pius connected to the "Five Good Emperors"? Antoninus Pius is one of the "Five Good Emperors," a group that includes Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius, known for their effective and benevolent rule over the Roman Empire. ### What was the political climate during Antoninus Pius's reign? Antoninus Pius ruled during a period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire. He avoided major military campaigns and focused on administrative and legal reforms. ## Why They Matter Antoninus Pius's reign is significant for its emphasis on peace, stability, and legal reform, which contributed to the prosperity of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century. His rule is often contrasted with the more militaristic emperors, highlighting a model of governance that prioritized internal order and administrative efficiency. His influence extended to the legal and social structures of Rome, setting a precedent for future emperors like Marcus Aurelius. His legacy is part of the broader narrative of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, which is often praised for its leadership continuity and governance. ## Notable For - Being the 15th Roman Emperor (138–161 CE) - Reigning during a period of peace and stability in the Roman Empire - Being part of the "Five Good Emperors" - Oversight of the Antonine Wall construction in Roman Britain - Commissioning the Column of Antoninus Pius, a commemorative structure built in 161 CE - Avoiding major military conflicts during his reign - Emphasizing administrative and legal reforms ## Body ### Early Life and Background Antoninus Pius, born Titus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus, was born on 19 September 86 CE. He was a Roman statesman and later emperor, known for his long and peaceful reign. His early life was spent in service to the Roman state, eventually leading to his rise within the political hierarchy. ### Career and Rule Antoninus Pius became Roman Emperor in 138 CE, following the death of his adoptive father and predecessor, Emperor Hadrian. His reign lasted until his death in 161 CE, making it one of the longest of any Roman Emperor. During this time, he focused on maintaining the empire's stability rather than pursuing military conquests. His rule is often characterized by: - A focus on legal and administrative reforms. - Avoiding major military conflicts. - Emphasizing the rule of law and governance over expansionism. ### Public Works and Legacy Antoninus Pius's reign saw the construction of several public works, including: - The Antonine Wall, a defensive fortification in Roman Britain, built in 142 CE. - The Column of Antoninus Pius, a commemorative structure erected in his honor in 161 CE, the same year he died. ### Historical Context and Influence Antoninus Pius was part of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, often referred to as the "Antonines." This period is considered a golden age of Roman history, marked by: - Peace and prosperity across the empire. - Effective governance and legal reforms. - A succession of capable emperors, including Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. His influence extended beyond his reign, as he was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius, who continued many of his policies. The stability and governance models established during Antoninus Pius's era influenced subsequent Roman leaders and contributed to the empire's long-term administrative efficiency. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. Aurelius 135 (Pauly-Wissowa) 3. Faustina 4. Faustina the Elder 5. Czech National Authority Database 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. Antoninus Pius 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 11. Enciclopedia Treccani 12. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia 13. Dizionario di Storia 14. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 15. Provenio