Marcus Aurelius and His Times. The Transition from Paganism to Christianity

The reign of Marcus Aurelius ( 161-I8o A.D.) marked the close of the good period of the Antonine emperors, under whom Rome reached the height of her imperial dominion and administrative efficiency. This book contains the writings of three men of the period, each eminent in his own circle at Rome, which illustrate for us the conflict of beliefs that is a characteristic feature of the age.

The Meditations of the emperor show how latter-day Stoicism could still inspire a high-minded ruler to do his duty with fortitude and patience.

The dialogues of Lucian, the rhetorician, are a skeptic's devastating exposure of the weakness of all the old philosophies and beliefs.

The works of Justin Martyr, the Christian, are full of the fervor and excitement of a convert from paganism, convinced he has a new and uniquely divine message to proclaim to mankind.

With these selections we include three chapters from Walter Pater's famous book, Marius the Epicurean, for their vivid descriptions, first, of Marcus Aurelius and his environment, and, secondly, of a eucharistic service in a Christian house as the author fancies they may have appeared to a sensitive and cultured Roman gentleman.