During Marcus Aurelius' reign, the Roman Empire faced serious external threats. On the northern frontiers, Germanic tribes, including the Marcomanni, Quadi, and the Sarmatians, launched a series of invasions, putting immense pressure on the Roman borders. The so-called Marcomannic Wars became one of the defining conflicts of his reign, stretching over a period of more than a decade.

Despite his natural inclination toward peace and philosophical contemplation, Marcus was forced to take up arms to protect Rome and its borders. The emperor, who had always viewed war as a necessary evil, reluctantly became a military leader, commanding his legions in battle. The Marcomannic Wars required him to spend much of his time on the front lines, leading armies against the barbarian tribes that threatened the empire's stability.

In Meditations, Marcus reflects on the pain of violence and the duty of a ruler to act in the best interest of his people, even when it meant engaging in warfare. He often wrestled with the paradox of using force to maintain peace, a dilemma that only deepened as the wars dragged on. The Stoic principle of accepting what is beyond one’s control helped him navigate the brutality of war, yet it did little to soothe the emotional toll it took on him.

A Reluctant Killer

While Marcus Aurelius is often celebrated for his wisdom and sense of justice, the violence of his reign cannot be ignored. Throughout the Marcomannic Wars, he was forced to make difficult decisions, including the lives of many who died in battle. As a Stoic, he believed in the importance of accepting death as part of the natural order, but this did not mean he embraced the act of killing.

Reports from the time suggest that Marcus himself was horrified by the violence of war, especially in the aftermath of decisive battles. According to some sources, he expressed regret over the destruction caused, and it is said that he often pondered whether the bloodshed was truly worth the preservation of the empire. His personal writings, especially in Meditations, contain numerous references to the transient nature of life and the moral struggle of a ruler who must balance the ideal of peace with the necessity of war.

One poignant example of his reluctance to kill is his handling of captured enemies. While Roman emperors often celebrated victory with brutal displays of power, Marcus Aurelius was known to show a degree of mercy, preferring to incorporate his defeated enemies into the Roman system rather than annihilate them completely. His approach to warfare was, in many ways, a reflection of his philosophical beliefs: he did not see himself as a conqueror or a killer but as a servant of the greater good. shutdown123