Antoninus Pius

Antoninus Pius, Hadrian's adoptive son, and successor governed the Roman Empire from 138 to 161 AD. Giving honors to his adopted father Hadrian was his first official act as emperor. Additionally, as a condition of the agreement, Antoninus adopted Marcus Aurelius, the future emperor.

He was among the most tranquil emperors in Roman Empire history. Pius was able to concentrate on advancing Hadrian's municipal reforms and successful infrastructure projects because of the absence of unrest. But the judicial system was his greatest gift to Roman civilization. Pius established a legal system that would later serve as the benchmark for many countries constructing their legal systems, including Britain, France, and Germany. Pius was the first Roman emperor to uphold the idea of "natural law."

He erected temples, theaters, and mausoleums that supported Roman art and science and honored and rewarded those who taught philosophy and eloquence. Because he handled these problems without ever leaving Italy, Antoninus was practically exceptional among Roman emperors. Later generations and those who lived during his time strongly respected this kind of administration.

Lifespan: 19 September, 86 AD - 7 March, 161 AD