Editing Marcus Aurelius (section)

== Biography ==
Marcus launched a prolonged campaign against the Germanic tribes in the province of Germania. His forces were commanded by General [[Maximus Decimus Meridius]], his most trusted and capable officer. Under Marcus's oversight, Maximus secured a decisive victory at the Battle of Vindobona. Pleased with Maximus's success, Marcus promised to allow him to retire to his farm in Hispania as a reward for his service.

As Marcus's health declined, he confided in his daughter, [[Lucilla (Gladiator)|Lucilla]], and made it clear that he wished Maximus to succeed him as emperor, believing the general could restore Rome to a Republic. However, his son Commodus learned of this decision, which conflicted with his own ambitions. Overcome by jealousy and rage, Commodus suffocated Marcus in his tent and proclaimed himself Emperor of Rome.

Marcus’s death marked the end of both his philosophical legacy and the era of peace and stability he had symbolized, as Commodus's reign plunged Rome into a period of corruption and turmoil.