Stoic Roman emperor subject of new exhibition
How do you keep calm in times of crisis? What do people need to be happy? Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is often quoted online for answers. This once-powerful man would have preferred to be a philosopher.
"Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig."
As reported by DW, wise statements like this can be found in the 'Meditations' of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE). He had never intended these reflections for publication, having written them purely for himself, but they have become some of the most widely read writings after the Bible and the Quran. A bestseller, so to speak, which has been translated into numerous languages worldwide.
Known today as a philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius ruled at a time marked by crises and catastrophes. He ascended to the throne in 161 CE, just a few years before the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 CE) – the Marcomanni were Germanic tribes – which would shake the Roman Empire to its foundations.
Good governance
Archaeologist Marcus Reuter – director of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum – and historian Viola Skiba – director of the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift in Trier, Germany – have co-curated a joint exhibition, in each of their institutions, on Marcus Aurelius, set to run from June 15 to November 23, 2025. Skiba said the themes of the exhibition are more current than they had anticipated.
The question of what good leadership looks like has taken on a new urgency, especially in these crisis-ridden and polarised times. At the same time, the question is as old as human history itself, and was clearly a focus in the ancient world.
What, according to Marcus Aurelius, distinguishes good governance? "Basically, it is guided by the cardinal virtues of antiquity," said Skiba. Those desirable virtues include wisdom, justice, prudence and moderation.
Reuter added that Marcus Aurelius would most likely have considered Donald Trump "not a good leader, and certainly not a role model."
But of course, Marcus Aurelius was a product of his time, who grew up within the social structures of antiquity, including acceptance of slavery, unequal rights and brutal wars. But "... he always put the interests of the state first," added Reuter.
The construction of the Porta Nigra in Trier — today the city's famous landmark - can also be traced back to Marcus Aurelius. It was part of the city wall that Aurelius had built to protect its citizens.
Relevance
Aphorisms like the above can seem like mockery coming from a wealthy emperor, but they were meant sincerely. Indeed, Marcus Aurelius cultivated a rather modest lifestyle and even had imperial household items – his private assets – auctioned off when the state was in financial crisis.
"As far as I know, no Roman emperor before or after him did that," said Reuter.
Marcus Aurelius also apparently spent a lot of time pondering the meaning of life, which is presumably the reason so many young people nowadays are interested in him and his writings. In Reuter's estimation, "his 'Meditations' are a little treasure trove containing something to address nearly every situation in life."
Reuter pointed out that Marcus Aurelius' writings don't lend themselves to being read from front to back, but are well-suited to dipping into to find inspiration. They are, after all, the private musings of someone who spent time thinking about what was truly important in life. So it's small wonder that quotes by the Roman emperor can be found all over social media.
The exhibition in Trier builds on this contemporary interest in Marcus Aurelius and the topics that occupied him. It's designed to inspire visitors from all over the world to reflect on themselves, society and what a long-ago Roman emperor still has to say to us today.
Or, as Skiba put it, "Every society is based on individuals, and if each and every individual asks themselves these philosophical and political questions, then it also works as a whole."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Stoic Roman emperor subject of new exhibition
How do you keep calm in times of crisis? What do people need to be happy? Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is often quoted online for answers. This once-powerful man would have preferred to be a philosopher. "Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig." As reported by DW, wise statements like this can be found in the 'Meditations' of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE). He had never intended these reflections for publication, having written them purely for himself, but they have become some of the most widely read writings after the Bible and the Quran. A bestseller, so to speak, which has been translated into numerous languages worldwide. Known today as a philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius ruled at a time marked by crises and catastrophes. He ascended to the throne in 161 CE, just a few years before the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 CE) – the Marcomanni were Germanic tribes – which would shake the Roman Empire to its foundations. Good governance Archaeologist Marcus Reuter – director of the Rheinisches Landesmuseum – and historian Viola Skiba – director of the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift in Trier, Germany – have co-curated a joint exhibition, in each of their institutions, on Marcus Aurelius, set to run from June 15 to November 23, 2025. Skiba said the themes of the exhibition are more current than they had anticipated. The question of what good leadership looks like has taken on a new urgency, especially in these crisis-ridden and polarised times. At the same time, the question is as old as human history itself, and was clearly a focus in the ancient world. What, according to Marcus Aurelius, distinguishes good governance? "Basically, it is guided by the cardinal virtues of antiquity," said Skiba. Those desirable virtues include wisdom, justice, prudence and moderation. Reuter added that Marcus Aurelius would most likely have considered Donald Trump "not a good leader, and certainly not a role model." But of course, Marcus Aurelius was a product of his time, who grew up within the social structures of antiquity, including acceptance of slavery, unequal rights and brutal wars. But "... he always put the interests of the state first," added Reuter. The construction of the Porta Nigra in Trier — today the city's famous landmark - can also be traced back to Marcus Aurelius. It was part of the city wall that Aurelius had built to protect its citizens. Relevance Aphorisms like the above can seem like mockery coming from a wealthy emperor, but they were meant sincerely. Indeed, Marcus Aurelius cultivated a rather modest lifestyle and even had imperial household items – his private assets – auctioned off when the state was in financial crisis. "As far as I know, no Roman emperor before or after him did that," said Reuter. Marcus Aurelius also apparently spent a lot of time pondering the meaning of life, which is presumably the reason so many young people nowadays are interested in him and his writings. In Reuter's estimation, "his 'Meditations' are a little treasure trove containing something to address nearly every situation in life." Reuter pointed out that Marcus Aurelius' writings don't lend themselves to being read from front to back, but are well-suited to dipping into to find inspiration. They are, after all, the private musings of someone who spent time thinking about what was truly important in life. So it's small wonder that quotes by the Roman emperor can be found all over social media. The exhibition in Trier builds on this contemporary interest in Marcus Aurelius and the topics that occupied him. It's designed to inspire visitors from all over the world to reflect on themselves, society and what a long-ago Roman emperor still has to say to us today. Or, as Skiba put it, "Every society is based on individuals, and if each and every individual asks themselves these philosophical and political questions, then it also works as a whole."
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat for Hajj climax
Faithful pray on Mount Arafat during the climax of Hajj pilgrimage outside the holy city of Makkah. Photo: Reuters Listen to article Muslim worshippers prayed on Mount Arafat during the high point of the Hajj pilgrimage on Thursday, as authorities urged them to avoid the hottest hours of the day after tragedy struck last year. Thousands of white-robed pilgrims recited verses from the holy Quran from dawn on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky rise near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) gave his last sermon. But numbers thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10:00am and 4:00pm, a year after 1,301 people died in temperatures that hit 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). Delivering the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah in Arafat, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, emphasised the profound spiritual and unifying significance of the Day of Arafah, urging Muslims around the world to uphold the true essence of Islam through faith, humility, and sincere devotion to Allah. Addressing the pilgrims, Sheikh Dr Humaid highlighted Islam's core principles, underscoring the importance of monotheism, compassion, moral conduct, and social justice. He called on believers to strengthen their connection with Allah through constant remembrance, heartfelt prayers, and righteous deeds, especially on this sacred day known for divine mercy and the acceptance of supplications. "The Day of Arafah is not only a symbol of unity for the Ummah but also a reminder of our collective submission to the Creator. On this day, Allah's mercy descends abundantly, and prayers are answered. Let us fill our hearts with gratitude and our tongues with His praise," he said. "I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent," said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria. Saudi authorities have taken several steps to reduce the risk from heat at the Hajj, which has drawn more than 1.6 million pilgrims to one of the world's hottest regions, according to fresh figures published on Thursday. Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics are on standby and more than 400 cooling units have been deployed, the hajj minister told AFP last week. The Saudis have also cracked down on unregistered, non-fee paying pilgrims, who lack access to the full amenities and made up more than 80 percent of last year's deaths. On Thursday, icepacks were handed to people walking towards Mount Arafat, with some placing the small bags on their heads. With temperatures reaching 42C (107.6F), officials ushered people away if they spent too long in one place near the bouldered hill, which had fans spraying mist and cool air at its foot. Late Thursday afternoon, pilgrims began making their way to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles for Friday's symbolic "stoning of the devil". Despite the heat, they were generally delighted to be performing the Hajj. "I don't think about the sun or the temperature or anything like that," said Ahmed, a 44-year-old from Egypt. "Because standing in Arafat is a great thing and a beautiful day, and as you can see, all the pilgrims" are doing it. Ali, 33, from Pakistan, said he felt "blessed" to take part. "This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during Hajj and I always thought: "I wish I could be here'," he said. Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the Hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat. "It's a big dream for me that I had almost given up hope of realising," the Egyptian woman in her 50s told AFP from the foot of the mount. Saudi officials said the heat-mitigation measures implemented this Hajj had largely been successful in preventing a repeat of last year. "We are encountering a limited number of heat related illnesses cases this year and this is evidence of the effectiveness of all the organisation measures as well as preventive measures," said Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aali, Saudi Arabia's assistant minister of health. Along with the anti-heat measures and thousands of extra personnel, Saudi Arabia is also using an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds. More than 15,000 cameras run through artificial intelligence software are monitoring the holy sites and walkways during an event that has a history of deadly stampedes. This year, officials have also clamped down hard on unregistered pilgrims looking to sneak into Makkah, using raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in Hajj apex
MOUNT ARAFAT: Muslim pilgrims prayed atop Mount Arafat on Thursday during the high point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as Saudi officials called on participants to refrain from being outside during the hottest hours of the day. Thousands of pilgrims began to gather before dawn around the hill and the surrounding plain where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is believed to have given his last sermon. While some arrived early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning, carrying colourful umbrellas, many pilgrims will remain for hours of prayers and Quran recitals until the evening in the most arduous portion of the Hajj. After sunset they will head to Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and the sprawling tent city of Mina, where they will gather pebbles so they can perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil'. Million-plus pilgrims to begin Hajj under blazing sun 'This is something that I used to see every year on the TV screen during Hajj and I always thought: 'I wish I could be here',' said 33-year-old Ali from Pakistan, one of 1.5 million pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. 'I've been trying to get here… for the past 3 years,' he added as he gazed at the mount. 'I feel very blessed.' Hundreds of pilgrims dressed in white dotted the mount itself, with many more at its foot praying or taking pictures. Earlier this week, Saudi authorities called on pilgrims to stay inside their tents between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Thursday, when the desert sun is at its harshest. Fans spraying mist and providing cool air were dispersed at the foot of the mount. Temperatures this year have already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, bringing together devotees from around the globe, kicked off earlier this week. Pilgrims come together in Makkah under scorching desert heat Officials have beefed up heat mitigation efforts aiming to avoid a repeat of last year's Hajj, which saw 1,301 pilgrims die as temperatures reached 51.8C. 'I came here early to (avoid) the sun and later I will pray inside my tent,' said 54-year-old Adel Ismail, from Syria. To make this year's pilgrimage safer, authorities have expanded infrastructure, deployed thousands of extra personnel and relied on an arsenal of high-tech tools to help better manage crowds. Authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts against heat-related illness following the lethal heatwave of 2024. Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, the Hajj minister has told AFP. Through tears of joy, Iman Abdel Khaleq said she had wanted to perform the Hajj for 10 years and was overwhelmed with emotion as she arrived at Arafat. 'It's a big dream for me that I had almost given hope up of realising,' the woman in her fifties told AFP from the foot of the mount. Authorities said a majority of the deaths in 2024 were among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to amenities like air-conditioned tents and buses. This year, they have also cracked down on unregistered pilgrims looking to sneak into Makkah, relying on frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts. Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery. Saudi hosts urge pilgrims to stay indoors during Day of Arafat But even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs prompt many to attempt the Hajj without a permit, even though they risk arrest and deportation if caught. Saudi Arabia earns billions of dollars a year from the Hajj, and the lesser pilgrimage known as umrah, undertaken at other times of the year.
