Ancient Coin Stories

Birth of Faustina the Younger to Faustina and Antoninus Pius.

Faustina the Younger is engaged to Lucius Verus. This is later ended by her father Antoninus Pius when Hadrian changes his succession plans.

The marriage of Marcus Aurelius to Faustina the Younger, Antoninus‘ daughter, solidifies the family ties and succession plan.

Birth of first child Domitia Faustina to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius. Faustina the Younger is elevated to Augusta.

Birth of Lucilla to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

Birth of twin sons to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius. Both died in infancy.

Birth of Annia Galeria Aurelia Faustina to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

Birth of Annia Aurelia Fadilla to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

Birth of Annia Cornificia Faustina Minor to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

Antoninus Pius dies of illness at the age of 74 at his villa in Lorium, near Rome. He had reigned for 23 years, one of the longest and most stable reigns of any Roman emperor. He is succeeded jointly by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Faustina the Younger becomes Empress.

Commodus born as Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus to Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger in Lanuvium.

Birth of Marcus Annius Verus Caesar to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

Death of Marcus Annius Verus Caesar, son of Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius, due to complications while trying to remove a tumor under his ear.

Birth of Vibia Aurelia Sabina to Faustina the Younger and Marcus Aurelius.

On hearing that Marcus Aurelius is ill, Avidius Cassius declares himself emperor in Syria. He is defeated and killed. Clodius Albinus serves with distinction in the campaign. Rumors abound that she is encouraged by Faustina the Younger, who sought his protection because he son Commodus is still young.

Faustina the Younger dies in a military camp in Cappadocia of unknown causes. Marcus Aurelius publicly grieves for her.