172 CE
31.20mm 27.18g
Obverse: M ANTININVS AVG TR P XXVI, laureate head right
Reverse: IMP VI COS III, Victory standing right hanging shield inscribed VIC/GER on palm tree; S-C across fields
RIC III 1029 Rome
Ex CNG 2013
166 CE
AR Denarius 3.35g, 19x17mm
Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius right. M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX
Victory standing, head right, holding a palm and placing a shield inscribed VIC PAR on a palm tree. TR P XX IMP III COS III
RSC 878
Birth of Ceionia Fabia to Lucius Aelius and Avidia. She would be bethrothed to Marcus Aurelius, but did not marry him.
Antoninus Pius grants Marcus Aurelius the title of Caesar, officially recognizing him as heir to the throne.
The marriage of Marcus Aurelius to Faustina the Younger, Antoninus‘ daughter, solidifies the family ties and succession plan.
March 7
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.
August 31
Commodus born as Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus to Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger in Lanuvium.
Galen arrives in Rome. He soon serves as primary doctor to Marcus Aurelius, and then for most of the life of Commodus.
October 15
Commodus given the title Germanicus at Carnuntum, during the Marcomannic Wars headed by 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.
Emperor Marcus Aurelius visits Alexandria and addresses the city’s citizens during his reign.
September
Marcus Aurelius and Commodus are initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries.
November
Marcus Aurelius and Commodus return to Rome from their campaign against Cassius.
December 23
Marcus Aurelius and Commodus celebrate a joint triumph.
Marcus Aurelius and Commodus head to the Danubian front again.
March 17
Death of Marcus Aurelius. Commodus becomes Emperor.