Commodus had ruled Rome from 177. For the first three years of his reign, he was actually "co-Emperor" with his illustrious father, Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius is well-known today for the collection of his writings entitled "The Reflections of Marcus Aurelius," a virtual handbook for those who wish to live a calm, stoic life of moderation. Marcus Aurelius was a revered figure in his time, and in the time since, he has been dubbed one of the "Five Good Emperors" for his accomplishments: expanding the borders of the empire and increasing the prosperity of Rome.