Marcus Aurelius: Facial Reconstructions & History Documentary

Marcus Aurelius: the famous Stoic Emperor. His road to emperorship was long and winding. His time as emperor was even harder. Plagued by disease and wars, Aurelius still managed to maintain his philosophical point of view. Ideas from his book "Meditations" is still used in mental health therapy today. But what did he look like? How was his time as Emperor? At the end, we'll reveal the reconstruction of his face from his ancient statue.

0:00 Introduction
0:55 The Life of Marcus Aurelius
11:11 What did Marcus Aurelius look like?
13:19 The Recreations

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This video creation and final image are ©Royalty Now.

[RoyaltyNowStudios]

What do you guys think of the narration?

[DracoMalfoy-dsuc]

I teared up looking into his “real” eyes. I have a replica bust of his sitting on my book shelf. This man has helped me so much. Seeing him as a real person, instead of statue, was so meaningful.

[wareforcoin]

This is the same guy that, in his diary, chastised himself for wanting to stay in bed in the morning because it was comfortable. This took a dude that was already relatable to next level relatable. He even looks like a chill dude.

[ik]

The history narration was so good that I almost forgot there was gonna be a recreation at the end. Keep up the good work guys. Lots of love.

[Felidae-tswp]

Beautiful.. I cried seeing him age. His Meditations have been so much help to me since I first read them in 1988..Thank you.

[teachasse]

This is one of the most realistic recreations of a historical figure I had seen. He looks very much like his statues.Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher so no wonder he was a good and caring Emperor. The plague pandemic must had been truly horrific event with catastrophic repercussions on Rome. I can’t imagine, considering the times they lived in, the horror and suffering they went trough .

[bec]

If I'd lived in those times, I would have been hopelessly in love with a man like this. What an amazing human being, and an amazing leader.

[chipkornrumpf]

I've learned a good bit about Marcus Aurelius from Roman History and documentaries. I've also read most of his Meditations. It's hard for anyone in the current times to fully understand the magnificence of Marcus, the strength and intelligence he possessed in times of brutal wars, brutal politics, and of course the horrific plague that devastated much of Rome for years. With the known world on his shoulders he remained one of the if not the best ruler of Rome. His inner philosopher and stoicism probably saved his sanity more than once and I would argue if alive today would make an amazing leader of people. It's sad how many generations like the younger ones around today have not only no appreciation for history and people like Marcus, but are taught to hate and destroy all positive and constructive things that came before them. Man's greatest flaw seems to be somewhat cyclic... to forget the lessons and wisdoms of the past. The physical recreation after the brief but well presented summary of his life gives a bit of special connection to him. Much appreciated.

[fleetskipper]

I meant to add that the surviving statues of him are incredible testament to the skill of those artists, too. You literally can recognize him as he ages from child to young man to older man.

[bluelilies]

You look at that face, and what we know of his life, and can see that here was a lovable, kind, and decent person, who would have been a pleasure to know. My favourite recreation so far.
Oh, and the narration was great. As others have said, I was totally wrapped up in the interesting history lesson, and forgot about the recreation that was coming.

[wannabeimperator]

What I suspect Christians feel when they think about Jesus is what I feel when I think about Marcus. He's almost like a demi-God to me, maybe that is because he was so in touch with his "fragment of divinity", as he calls it. Whenever I feel a task is too great for me or my irrational emotions are taking control, all I have to do is summon him to my consciousness, remember him, and feel the love that is in his philosophy, and it makes everything so much easier to handle. I'm so immensely thankful for him and that his written texts have survived. Looking at his reconstructed face at the end made me tear up a bit. He just looks so kind and virtuous and there's a light shining from him like he is the sun itself. Thank you so much!

[Amadeus_]

You are an absolute genius. This work should be displayed in a gallery or a museum of history.

[Eazy-ERyder]

Outstanding job.
Marcus had aLOT to contend with and was a man of MANY traits. He wasn't JUST this aloof, stoic philosopher but a Warrior and active protector of his people who helped to fight domestic catastrophes like famine and the Antonine plague, as well as outside and foreign invasions.

[elaineschildmeyer]

Being half Italian I found the video very interesting and informative. If your physical depiction is correct he was quiet handsome . Since the advent of COVID, I can sympathize with his trials as a leader and with the Roman citizens of his age.

[Dordi-rzjc]

i forgot to comment on the wonderful recreation of Marcus Aurelius face - you made this man come alive - and it seems that most of the females (me too) that have seen this video have fallen in love with him

[zzdoodzz]

I remember visiting Italy many years ago and going to various museums all over the country. After some time you start to get familiar with the famous busts of the emperors and you start to easily recognize them. Marcus Aurelius in particular with his curly hair, and I remember seeing some of him at different ages. I had always wished someone would paint a cast of those busts so we could see what they look like, very happy to see that rendered here.

[snezetinkerbella]

As person that has always been fascinated by history and historical figures your depictions fascinate me and amaze me. I get so much satisfaction from listening and seeing your work.

[CherriesJubilee]

I really enjoyed the sympathetic way you portrayed this man's history. His great mistake was Commodus, but really, what other choices did he have? He is my favorite emperor, as much for his compassion as his self restraint. I think you did a very good job of showing what he might have looked like.

[bombasticbushkin]

Marcus Aurelius was definitely one of, if not the best emperor Rome had seen. Benevolent, wise, magnanimous, strong calm waters, and a very respectable looking man. Did I see a little Tom Jones in the modern smiling version? Must have been hallucinating. Thanks for your remarkable historical references and beautiful work. History comes alive.

[josephj]

Wow !! This is just outstanding !! The editing, the music, the narration and the final reveal was all perfect!! I didnt feel the need to jump to the reveal as the content was so fascinating and well put together !! Thank you !!