Antoninus Pius, << an tuh NY nuhs PY uhs >> (A.D. 86-161), was Roman emperor from 138 until his death. He was open-minded and just, and his reign was probably the calmest period in Roman history.
Antoninus was born on Sept. 19, 86, into a rich and influential family. He had a distinguished senatorial career. He also administered a court of appeals in Italy and served as proconsul (governor) of the province of Asia in western Asia Minor. Antoninus’s legal experience, his wealth and reputation, and his popularity with the Senate influenced Emperor Hadrian to choose him as successor. As emperor, Antoninus left what little fighting there was to his generals. He built the Antonine Wall in northern Britain, the empire’s chief trouble spot. He died on March 7, 161.
