Adoptive Emperors were employed at the height of the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius marked the Roman Empire’s height, who was adopted by the previous emperor Antonius Pius (138-161 AD).
The Romans adopted successors instead of relying on their biological sons for the stability of the Empire. Biological sons, particularly those who were too young or unproven, posed a risk of being unfit or inexperienced, leading to potential instability or civil unrest. By choosing a successor based on merit, the emperor could avoid weak or unprepared rulers. For example, Trajan, who was chosen by Nerva, was already a highly respected general and administrator, making him a strong candidate to maintain the empire’s stability and military success.
After the reign of Marcus Aurelius ended in 180 AD, when his biological son Commodus became emperor at the age of 18, the empire reverted to dynastic succession, which led to a period of internal instability. He is seen as the beginning of the end for the Pax Romana, a long period of relative peace and prosperity.
Young people, even if highly intelligent or skilled, often lack the emotional maturity and life experience necessary to manage the complexities of power and wealth. They may struggle to balance self-interest with responsibility or to foresee the long-term consequences of their actions. The infamous Fyre Festival was organized by young entrepreneur Billy McFarland, who sought to create a luxurious music festival experience. His ambition and desire for success led him to engage in fraudulent activities to secure funding, which eventually resulted in the festival’s disastrous failure and his imprisonment. McFarland’s pursuit of wealth and status, combined with pressure to deliver a high-profile event, led to ethical shortcuts and deception.
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