Final answer:
Marcus Aurelius was a prominent Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher whose writing, Meditations, remains an important work of philosophy. Despite his reign being marked by military challenges and internal strife, his philosophical insights remain influential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher from 161 to 180 CE. He co-ruled with Lucius Verus and is known for his philosophical work Meditations, a significant text in Stoic philosophy. During his reign, Aurelius fought against the Parthian Empire and faced revolts in the eastern provinces, but is also remembered for his lack of military background. His choice to appoint his son Commodus as heir resulted in a drastic decline in competent leadership, reflecting a change in the succession practice of the earlier 'Five Good Emperors'.
His philosophical contributions encapsulate stoicism and provide guidance on dealing with external challenges. Aurelius's personal writings in Meditations offer insights into his inner thoughts and the principles of Stoicism, which continue to influence modern readers. Additionally, his reign was marked by significant military campaigns and internal strife, contrasting his philosophical pursuit for internal control and rationality.