Antoninus Pius was one of the longest reigning Roman Emperors. He gained favour with the Emperor Hadrian for his administrative skills, and was adopted by Hadrian as a son and successor after the death of Lucius Aelius. In turn, Antoninus adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as sons.

Becoming emperor on Hadrian's death in 138, Antoninus had Hadrian deified, and began a mostly peaceable reign, focussing on administering the newly-expanded empire. His legal reforms were noted principally for encompassing the virtues of aequitas (equality) manifested particularly with regard to slaves, and the principle of innocence until guilt is proven. His particular affection for his wife, Faustina Major, is demonstrated through her deification after her death, with Diva Faustina (the divine Faustina) coins struck posthumously for her, and a forum and charity for girls dedicated to her. Antoninus died peacefully as an old man in 161, to be succeeded by his adopted son, and son-in-law, Marcus Aurelius.

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