Named for the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121–180), who became emperor in 161 upon the death of his adoptive father Antoninus Pius. He tried to reign with justice but could not prevent the decay of the empire. Marcus Aurelius was often far away from Rome, suppressing secessionist border lands. He died in Vienna during a fight against the Marcomanni. His equestrian statue in Rome is the only genuine bronze monument to an emperor. (M 30802) _ _.