Definition: Antoninus Pius reigned as Roman Emperor from A.D. 138-161. He was born T. Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus on September 19, A.D. 86 at Lanuvium. Antoninus Pius was probably quaestor, praetor, and consul before he was consul, as well as proconsul in Asia. He married Annia Galeria Faustina, daughter of M. Annius Verus. When Hadrian's adopted son Verus died, the Emperor Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius as son. In return, Antoninus Pius adopted the future Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
When Hadrian died, Antoninus demonstrated such piety that he earned the name "pius." He also earned the title "pater patriae." He completed and restored earlier building projects rathern than starting major ones of his own. Although he stayed mainly in Rome, wars were conducted during the reign of Antoninus Pius throughout the Empire.
When Antoninus Pius died in 161, the Senate deified him.
