An emperor between power and morality: Discover Marcus Aurelius in Trier!

An emperor between power and morality: Discover Marcus Aurelius in Trier!

Roman antiquity produced many impressive personalities, but few shine as brightly as Marcus Aurelius. The current exhibition entitled "Marc Aurel. Emperor. General. Philosopher" in Trier is dedicated to the life and work of this extraordinary man for the first time in Europe. In the rooms of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum and the Simeonstift City Museum, the fascinating field of tension between power and morality, which Marcus Aurelius embodied like no other, is illuminated.

Marcus Aurelius lived from 121 to 180 AD and was emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 until his death. He is considered a political shining light of antiquity and is often referred to as the “philosopher on the imperial throne”. His “Self-Contemplations,” a personal diary in which he recorded moral and spiritual reflections, was rediscovered by humanists in 1558 and is still of great importance today. The exhibition addresses both his extraordinary life and his 19-year reign in a mix of scholarship and art that is accessible to a wide audience.

A life in the service of philosophy

Unusually, Marcus Aurelius not only got involved in politics, but also repeatedly questioned his own actions and the principles of rule. What is good rule? This question is taken up in the city museum and invites visitors to reflect on virtues such as justice, tolerance and generosity, which have remained relevant over the centuries.

The exhibition also highlights the period after his death, in which his son Commodus is described as tyrannical. During his reign, which was accompanied, among other things, by war and crises - including the Parthian War and the Antonine Plague - Marcus Aurelius left a strong legacy that is also characterized by his confrontation with the challenges of the time.

Philosophical impulses for the present

In a time when self-optimization is very popular, Marcus Aurelius's philosophy has lost none of its relevance. The philosophy professor Jörn Müller, who spoke about the emperor's way of thinking in the Viehmarktthermen in Trier, emphasizes: "The happiness of your life depends on the nature of your thoughts." These thoughts are more than just empty phrases - they encourage self-responsibility and an inner attitude that is independent of external circumstances.

In a digital animation, visitors can even ask Marcus Aurelius direct questions, which creates a particularly lively and interactive experience. An impressive photo installation also shows autocrats in victorious poses and at the same time addresses the challenges of modern democracies.

The exhibition runs until November 23, 2025 and offers a rich accompanying program that also appeals to philosophical laypeople. A visit is not only an excursion into history, but also an invitation to reflect on your own lifestyle and discover philosophical virtues for yourself. Visit the exhibition and be inspired by the thoughts of one of the greatest thinkers of antiquity!

For detailed insights into the life of Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy, we recommend, among others, the works “Self-Contemplations”, Letters to Fronto as well as the Historia Augusta and the writings of Suetonius, all of which offer a comprehensive overview of his world of thought.

Further information can be found in the articles from fr.de, romischesreich.de and [swr.de].