Royalty & Nobility · Ancient World
Marcus Aurelius’s Last Words
“Go to the rising sun, for I am already setting.”— Marcus Aurelius, March 17, 180 AD
Who Was Marcus Aurelius?
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. His Meditations, written during military campaigns, is one of the greatest works of philosophy ever written.
The Final Moments
Marcus Aurelius died during a military campaign on the Danube frontier. He dismissed his attendants with these words.
Are These Words Verified?
Reported in ancient sources written decades after his death (Cassius Dio, Historia Augusta), but not contemporary eyewitness accounts. Plausible given Stoic philosophy.
Sources
- other Cassius Dio's Roman History
- other Historia Augusta
- biography Anthony Birley biography
Legacy
Meditations is one of the most-read philosophy books of all time and a guide to Stoic living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Marcus Aurelius’s last words?
“Go to the rising sun, for I am already setting.”
How did Marcus Aurelius die?
Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 AD at the age of 58. Cause of death: Plague — possibly smallpox.
Were Marcus Aurelius’s last words documented?
Reported in ancient sources written decades after his death (Cassius Dio, Historia Augusta), but not contemporary eyewitness accounts. Plausible given Stoic philosophy.
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