Marcus Aurelius writes to himself

These past two years have been a difficult chapter in my life. But now I’m writing a new one and looking for inspiration.

Many people, upon reaching a certain age, begin reflecting on their life and, subsequently, make an inventory of the things life has taught them. One of the best examples of such reflection is that of Marcus Aurelius. During the last ten years of his life, Marcus kept a journal exclusively for himself as if he were trying to create a “How to Behave in Life” guidebook. Much of what he wrote was written while he was busy with the Marcomannic Wars fought not far from the Danube. Although Roman, Marcus Aurelius wrote in Greek and the original title of this journal was “To Himself” (Στον εαυτο του) but in English it’s known as “Meditations” whereas in Italian it’s “Pensieri” (Thoughts).

After the Romans won, to celebrate their victory, they erected a historiated column (colonna istoriata). A historiated column is a freestanding column decorated with spiralled figurative imagery that tells a story. In the middle of Piazza Colonna in Rome exists such a column erected between A.D. 176 and 193. It commemorates Marcus Aurelius’ greatest accomplishment—that of holding the empire together by defeating the invading Sarmatians and Marcomanni.

notice the openings the provided air and light for the interior part of the column

During the Middle Ages it was possible to enter the column and climb the internal spiral stairs to the top. However, today the column can only be seen from the outside.

Photos via Wikipedia