Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman empire from AD 161-180. He wrote the 12 books of the Meditations like a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that huge portions of the task were created at Sirmium, where he spent much time preparing military campaigns from 170 to 180. Some of it was written while he was situated at Aquincum on advertising campaign in Pannonia, because inner notes tell us that the 1st book was created when he was campaigning against the Quadi in the river Granova and the second book was created at Carnuntum.

It is unlikely that Marcus Aurelius ever intended the writings to be published and the work has no official title, thus ‘Meditations’ is one of several titles commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to lengthy paragraphs.

George Long Translation