Antoninus dies, and is succeeded by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, the last of whom reigned nine years. In the reign of Antoninus flourished Maximus Tyrius, Pausanias, Diophantus, Lucian, Hermogenes, Polyænus, Appian, Artemidorus, Justin the martyr, Apuleius, &c. 161 A war with Parthia, which continues three years 162 A war against the Marcomanni, which continues five years 169 Another, which continues three years 177 Marcus Aurelius dies, and Commodus succeeds. In the last reign flourished Galen, Athenagoras, Tatian, Athenæus, Montanus, Diogenes, Laërtius 180 Commodus makes peace with the Germans 181 Commodus put to death by Martia and Lætus. He is succeeded for a few months by Pertinax, who is murdered 193; and four rivals arise, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Severus, and Albinus. Under Commodus flourished Julius Pollux, Theodotion, St. Irenæus, &c. 192 Niger is defeated by Severus at Issus 194 Albinus defeated in Gaul, and killed at Lyons, February 19th 198 Severus conquers the Parthians 200 Fifth persecution against the christians 202 Severus visits Britain, and two years after builds a wall there across from the Frith of Forth 207 Severus dies at York, and is succeeded by Caracalla and Geta. In his reign flourished Tertullian, Minutius Felix, Papinianus, Clemens of Alexandria, Philostratus, Plotianus, and Bulas 211 Geta killed by his brother Caracalla 212 The Septuagint discovered. Caracalla murdered by Macrinus. Flourished Oppian 217 Opilius ♦Macrinus killed by the soldiers, and succeeded by Heliogabalus 218 ♦ ‘Macrinius’ replaced with ‘Macrinus’ Alexander Severus succeeds Heliogabalus. The Goths then exacted an annual payment not to invade or molest the Roman empire. The age of Julius Africanus 222 The Arsacidæ of Parthia are conquered by Artaxerxes king of Media, and their empire destroyed 229 Alexander defeats the Persians 234 The sixth persecution against the christians 235 Alexander killed and succeeded by Maximinus. At that time flourished Dion Cassius, Origen, and Ammonius 235 The two Gordians succeeded Maximinus, and are put to death by Pupienus, who soon after is destroyed, with Balbinus, by the soldiers of the younger Gordian 236 Sarbinianus defeated in Africa 240 Gordian marches against the Persians 242