Antoninus in Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities

Pius, or Titus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Antonīnus, a Roman emperor, A.D. 138-161, born near Lanuvium, A.D. 86, adopted by Hadrian in 138, and succeeded the latter in the same year. The Senate conferred upon him the title of Pius, or "the dutifully affectionate," because he persuaded them to grant to his father Hadrian the apotheosis and other honours usually paid to deceased emperors. The reign of Antoninus is almost a blank in history-a blank caused by the suspension for a time of war, violence, and crime. He was one of the best princes that ever mounted a throne, and all his thoughts and energies were dedicated to the happiness of his people. He died in A.D. 161, in his seventy-fifth year. He was succeeded by M. Aurelius, whom he had adopted, when he himself was adopted by Hadrian, and to whom he gave his daughter Faustina in marriage.