Year 161 (CLXI) Overview
The year 161 (CLXI) was a common year beginning on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. It was recognized as the Year of the Consulship of Caesar and Aurelius, or less frequently, year 914 Ab urbe condita. The designation 161 for this year has been utilized since the early medieval period, as the Anno Domini calendar era became the dominant method in Europe for naming years.
Events
By Place
Roman Empire
On March 7, Emperor Antoninus Pius passed away and was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius. Marcus shared imperial power with Lucius Verus, although he retained the title of Pontifex Maximus. Marcus Aurelius, a Spaniard akin to Trajan and Hadrian, was a stoic disciple of Epictetus and a vigorous leader. He continued the policies of his predecessor and upheld strong relations with the Senate. As a legislator, he aimed to establish new principles of morality and humanity, particularly advocating for women and slaves.
During this time, Aurelius reduced the weight of a gold coin, the aureus, from 7.81 grams to 7.12 grams.
Parthian Empire
In the autumn, the Parthians launched an invasion of Armenia and installed their own candidate on the throne. This conflict resulted in the destruction of a Roman legion (possibly Legio IX Hispana) at Elegeia.
By Topic
Art and Science
The influential work, Gaius’ Institutiones, was published this year.
Commerce
Under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the silver content of the Roman denarius decreased to 68 percent, a drop from 75 percent during the reign of Antoninus Pius.
Births
- August 31 – Commodus, Roman emperor (d. 192)
- Liu Bei, founder of the Shu Han (Three Kingdoms) (d. 223)
- Lü Dai, general of the Eastern Wu state (Three Kingdoms) (d. 256)
Deaths
- March 7 – Antoninus Pius, Roman emperor (b. AD 86)
- Athenais, Roman noblewoman (b. AD 143)