In 160-180 years of our era, the famous monument to Marcus Aurelius was created. This man ruled the state thousands of years ago, but people still remember his name with respect and reverence. How did the Roman ruler deserve such an attitude? Why is the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius the main monument of Rome?
What is the emperor-philosopher remembered for?
“The state will flourish when philosophers rule, and rulers will engage in philosophy,” Aurelius's favorite saying.
He became famous for his greatest wisdom, which distinguished him from previous masters. The philosopher who occupied the throne could spend hours alone in the room and talk to himself. This is a man who loved and revered the art of philosophy, was versed in the science of life and the human soul.
During the reign of Marcus Aurelius many troubles fell: floods, wars, plague, betrayal. However, people lived in those years with firm confidence in the future. When the emperor was informed of the betrayal of his best commander, the philosopher only shook his head and replied: “If he is destined to become a ruler, he will certainly gain power. If he is destined to die, he will come to death without our help. Not so bad we live for him to win. ” The prediction turned out to be prophetic. After 3 months, the companions of the riot themselves chopped off the head of the general and sent as a gift to the real ruler. He spared everyone except some important people.
Also, history knows another case proving the wisdom of the emperor-philosopher. During the period of heavy war, there was not enough people or gold. Slaves and gladiators were freed to participate in hostilities. To find money, the ruler began to sell his own property. The auction lasted for two months, but funds were still found. After the victory, the emperor offered to return the gold in exchange for things, but did not force those who wanted to keep the purchase to themselves.
Many critics and scholars mark the period of his reign as a time of prosperity and prosperity. Historians claim that this is one of the wisest rulers of Rome, who glorified his state and his people.
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius
Let's find out her story. Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome was built in 160-180. n e. At the moment, it is the most popular attraction of the city and the only surviving monument of that time.
In the XII century, a rider with a horse was located in front of the Lateran Palace. In 1538 they were transferred to Capitol Square, after which Michelangelo Buonarroti began reconstruction.
Why is the monument preserved to our times?
During the period of destruction by Christians of all sculptures from the time of pre-Christian rulers, an error occurred. The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius was taken not for the image of the pagan emperor, but for the appearance of Constantine the Great. This is what saved the monument from destruction.
Ancient myth
If you look at the original version of the sculpture, you can see an owl on the horse's head. Legend has it that when the gilding leaves the monument, and the owl sings between the ears of the horse, the end of the world will come and all of humanity will plunge into darkness. Such a sad future would await the entire population of the globe if the statue had not been reconstructed several times.
Relation to the great ruler today
In 1981, the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius was removed from the square and sent for restoration. At that time, almost no gilding remained on the sculpture.
On April 12, 1990, the repair of the image of the great ruler was completed, and it needed to be returned to its rightful place. The transportation of the sculpture was not particularly advertised and was accompanied by several police cars and motorcycles.
Suddenly a miracle happened. People began to gather from all sides to look at the monument. The crowd with joyful faces shouted “Ave, emperor!”, Waved their hands and applauded. A huge number of spectators gathered, who were eagerly awaiting the return of the historical landmark to its rightful place. Thousands of residents raised their right hand, palm down, as a sign of honor and respect for Marcus Aurelius.
The cars honored, no one cared for the resulting traffic jam. It seemed that before them was not a statue, but the emperor himself, returning home after another battle. The atmosphere of that day seemed to be transferred to the era of the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Due to the crowd, the crew rode at the speed of a pedestrian, but they were in no hurry to disperse the people. For Rome, this day was a real holiday, many residents will remember this date for life - the day the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius returns home.
Now there is a copy of the monument on Capitol Square, and the original is in the museum nearby.
This was a clear example of the power and significance of history for the people. The statue carried the memory of the ruler through so many centuries. And the reaction of the inhabitants proves that the love of the great Marcus Aurelius has not died out. People remember his wisdom and all that he has done for his people.