The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

ANTONINUS PIUS

Antoninus Pius (real name Antoninus Titus Aurelius Fulvus) was a Roman emperor. He was born in 86 at Lavinium, near Rome and died in 161. In 120 he became consul, and he was one of the four persons of consular rank among whom Hadrian divided the supreme administration of Italy. He then went as proconsul to Asia, and after his return to Rome became more and more the object of Hadrian's confidence. In 138 he was selected by that emperor as his successor, and the same year he ascended the throne. The persecutions of the Christians he speedily abolished. He carried on but a few wars. In Britain he extended the Roman dominion, and by raising a new wall - Wall of Antonius - put a stop to the invasions of the Picts and Scots. The senate gave him the surname Pius, that is, dutiful or showing filial affection, because to keep alive the memory of Hadrian he had built a temple in his honour. He was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius, his adopted son.
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