Antoninus Pius ruled from July 11, 138 to March 7, 161.
When Hadrian's adopted son Verus died, he adopted Antoninus Pius (born on September 19, 86, near Lanuvium) as son and successor. As part of the deal, Antoninus Pius adopted the future Emperor Marcus Aurelius. When Hadrian died, Antoninus demonstrated such piety towards his adopted father that he earned the name "pius." Antoninus Pius completed and restored earlier building projects rather than starting major ones of his own.
When Hadrian's adopted son Verus died, he adopted Antoninus Pius (born on September 19, 86, near Lanuvium) as son and successor. As part of the deal, Antoninus Pius adopted the future Emperor Marcus Aurelius. When Hadrian died, Antoninus demonstrated such piety towards his adopted father that he earned the name "pius." Antoninus Pius completed and restored earlier building projects rather than starting major ones of his own.