The time of the Antonine dynasty (including Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius) is a period of splendor of the Roman Empire, which was prosperous, society felt safe, and legions Roman dominated at all borders of the Empire. The Romans and peoples living within the Empire appreciated the times they lived in.
In the 2nd century CE, mainly thanks to the Greek philosopher Dion Chrysostom and governor of Bithinia Pliny the Younger, the ideal of a just ruler began to spread, and which especially represented by Trajan, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. Such an emperor was elected by the senate as primus inter pares (“first among equals”), cared for the wealth of patricians and cared for plebeians. He also showed justice in his rule.
The Greek rhetor Aristydes, in turn, expressed praise for the Roman Empire. The author emphasizes that it is the Roman Empire that guarantees peace (Pax Romana), security and stability. It was mainly thanks to Rome that the constant wars and feuds between various peoples were liquidated. Rome absorbed them within its boundaries and surrounded them with protective wings, enabling familiarization with civilization. In addition, barbarians can trade within the borders of one country without fear of their fate and belongings.
