Meditations

Stirring reflections on the human condition provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind and personality of a highly principled Roman warrior and emperor of the 2nd century.

Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus (121-180) became joint emperor in 161 with adoptive brother Lucius Verus, and ruled alone from 169.

Diskin Clay is professor of classical studies at Duke University.

Martin Hammond is headmaster of the Tonbridge School and has translated Homer's Iliad for Penguin Classics.