The New Student's Reference Work/Antoninus Pius

Antoni'nus (än' tō-nī' nŭs) Pius, a Roman emperor, was born in 86 A. D. He was adopted by the Emperor Hadrian and succeeded him in the year 138. His reign was peaceful and prosperous. He is quoted as saying: "I had rather preserve the life of a citizen than destroy a thousand enemies." He encouraged everything that was good, helped the poor, lessened the taxes and well earned the title: "Father of his Country." He was called Pius (pious), because he built a temple in honor of his adopted father Hadrian. He died 161 A. D.