Antoninus Pius

Antoninus "Pius" was born in 86 AD as Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus. He had a Senatorial career and was Consul in 120 AD. Adopted by Hadrian as his heir on February 25th, 138 AD, and during the last months of Hadrian's rule, Antoninus was virtually ruler, and his succession of the same year was smooth. The history of his reign is marked with tranquility and prosperity throughout the Empire, which the Romans enjoyed under his patient, judicious, and impartial rule. When he died, Marcus Aurelius succeeded him to the throne, and the series of coins minted in his honor were the largest numbers since that of Augustus Caesar.