Marcus Aurelius, full name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, was born on April 26, 121 CE in Rome, Italy. He was a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 CE and is best remembered as one of the most prominent Stoic philosophers. He passed away on March 17, 180 CE in the city of Vindobona, which is modern-day Vienna, Austria. His reign marked the last of the "Five Good Emperors," a period characterized by relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire.

Aurelius’s early life was marked by both privilege and education. He was born into a prominent family, and his grandfather was a senator. His education was rigorous, focusing on rhetoric, philosophy, and literature, which laid the groundwork for his future as a philosopher. Influenced by Stoicism, he was mentored by the philosopher Junius Rusticus, who instilled in him the importance of virtue, reason, and self-control.

Marcus Aurelius’s literary career is most notably encapsulated in his work "Meditations," a series of personal writings that reflect his Stoic beliefs and philosophical musings. Written during military campaigns, "Meditations" serves as a guide to personal ethics and the practice of Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of rationality and the acceptance of fate. This work has had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and continues to be studied for its insights into the human condition.

In his personal life, Aurelius married Faustina the Younger, with whom he had several children. Despite the challenges of his role as emperor, including wars and political strife, he remained committed to his philosophical principles and devoted much of his time to self-improvement and the welfare of his people. His legacy as both a ruler and a philosopher endures, making him a central figure in the pantheon of classical literature and thought.