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Marcus Aurelius dies on campaign

180 CE, the Danube frontier. An event.

Where and when

180 CEthe Danube frontier

1,846 years ago

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, the Danube frontier

Marcus dies near the Danube front while still at war. His son Commodus becomes sole emperor.

Background: Marcus Aurelius, Wikipedia (opens en.wikipedia.org)

Why it matters

Some scholars consider Marcus' death the end of the Pax Romana, and historians have criticised the succession of his son Commodus.

Based on Wikipedia: Marcus Aurelius

Some scholars consider his death to be the end of the Pax Romana.

Historians have criticised the succession to Commodus, citing Commodus' erratic behaviour and lack of political and military acumen.

Wikipedia, Marcus Aurelius (opens en.wikipedia.org), as of 2026-09-06. Text CC BY-SA 4.0. Our line is checked against these sentences only.

Related moments

In time order, with this one in its place. Each says why it is here.

  1. c. 108 CEabout 72 years earlier Epictetus on facing death without lament Also about death
  2. c. 170–180 CEDuring it Marcus Aurelius on how to begin the morning Nearest in time
  3. c. 170–180 CEDuring it Marcus Aurelius on what his mother taught Also in the Danube frontier
  4. c. 170–180 CEDuring it Marcus Aurelius on what Rusticus taught him Also in the Danube frontier
  5. c. 170–180 CEDuring it Marcus Aurelius on the only life we lose Also about death
  6. 180 CEThis momentMarcus Aurelius dies on campaign

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