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Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, and was the last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors. He was born in 121 CE, educated in rhetoric and philosophy, and succeeded his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, as Emperor of Rome. Marcus Aurelius is most famous for his collection of personal writings known as the Meditations, which contain his Stoic philosophy. His greatest accomplishment as Emperor was his ability to hold the Empire together through the Roman Empire's first true pandemic, the Parthian War, and the Germanic Wars. He was also able to navigate ruling with co-Emperor, Lucius Verus, his adoptive brother. Famous quotes by Marcus Aurelius include "You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." Marcus Aurelius should not be confused with Julius Caesar, who lived over 200 years earlier and served as the dictator of the Roman Republic.