The “Philosopher Emperor” – such a highly requested figure. Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome for 19 years from 161 – 180 AD. He ruled at nearly the height of the empire, with 70-80 million subjects, nearly one fifth of the population of the earth at that time. He is famous for the Germanic Campaigns, as well as his book of stoic musings, called “Meditations,” that contains super pertinent bits of philosophy still used today. Unfortunately, Aurelius was the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” a string of good rulers that would eventually break thanks to Aurelius’ son Commodus. His reign is sometimes considered the tipping point between the glory days of the Empire and the beginning of the Fall of Rome.

Although we don’t know anything about his hair or eye color, we know that he is of Italian and Spanish heritage, so some guesswork definitely goes into this. Most other recreations I’ve seen give him tan skin and dark hair & eyes. Luckily there are many statues of Aurelius to work from, all sharing the same features.