The New Student's Reference Work/Antoninus Pius

Antoni'nus (än' tō-nī' nŭs) Pius, a, was born in 86 A. D. He was adopted by the Emperor 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 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.