THE DREAM WITH IVORY SHOULDERS: MARCUS AURELIUS FACES THE MISSION OF GOVERNING ROME

Abstract

I analyse two versions that have come down to us of Marcus Aurelius' dream before he
was appointed as Antoninus Pius' successor, a dream in which Marcus has ivory shoulders. I examine
the dream metaphorically and proceed to a summary of Marcus's life, from his childhood to the empire,
ending by understanding the dream as a dreamlike prescription about what attitude would be favourable
to Marcus at the helm of Rome, as well as an anticipation of his capacity to endure great challenges
during his rule.