Talk:Reign of Marcus Aurelius/GA2

GA Review
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Reviewer: Jens Lallensack (talk · contribs) 19:42, 28 March 2019 (UTC)

Will start soon, but I might take some time! --Jens Lallensack (talk) 19:42, 28 March 2019 (UTC)


 * The later biographies and the biographies of subordinate emperors and usurpers are a tissue of lies and fiction, but the earlier biographies, derived primarily from now-lost earlier sources (Marius Maximus or Ignotus), are much better. – I'm unsure if "tissue of lies and fiction" is neutral encyclopedic language (especially "lies" seems very loaded), think about rewording. Consider that this might be the perspective of modern historians only; people at the time might had a different notion. Also, "much better" is poor wording imho, as it is judgemental. Try to use something more specific: "more reliable", "more accurate", whatever is the case.


 * For Marcus Aurelius' life and rule, the biographies of Hadrian, Pius, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus are largely reliable, but those of Aelius Verus and Avidius Cassius are full of fiction. – Again here, consider replacing "full of fiction" with "partly invented" or something.


 * the biographer writes – this formulation irritated me quite a bit. Would be "according to the Historia Augusta" better – this is how most other articles word it. Would also be less hypothetical and much clearer.


 * link "Stoic" in main text; also, many geographic places and such are without a wikilink.


 * he presumably believed it his duty to enact the man's succession plans – State here what those succession plans were.


 * In contrast to their behavior during Pius' campaign to deify Hadrian, the senate did not oppose the emperors' wishes – can "their behavior during" simply be removed? Behavior seems a bit unspecific.


 * The temple he had dedicated to his wife, Diva Faustina – Who is "he" referring to? Should be Pius judging from the grammar?


 * Please give Fronto's full name and link him at first mention.


 * Verus was less esteemed by his tutor – who was his tutor?


 * In other times of famine, the emperors are said to have provided for the Italian communities out of the Roman granaries. – yes, all right, but then I am seriously asking myself how it was this time? Feels that some content is missing. What is the purpose of this statement?


 * (perhaps the Ninth Legion (Hispana)) – not ideal with the double gloss. Perhaps "the Ninth Legion of Hispana" or similar?


 * having been given no military experience – can you give someone "experience"? Would "education" be more suitable here?


 * He had spent none of his predecessor's twenty-three-year reign in the provinces – Not sure what this means. "none" lets me expect a plural, but "twenty-three-year reign" is singular.


 * Aquincum, Troesmis – link and state the region as was done with the other cities?


 * Figure caption: The dissolute Syrian army was said to spend more time in Antioch's open-air cafés than with their units.(engraving by William Miller after a drawing by H. Warren from a sketch by Captain Byam Martin, R.N., 1866) – This caption seems a bit anecdotal. However, it fails to explain what is actually seen in the picture; that should always be clearly stated first.


 * Marcus Aurelius had moved up the date: perhaps stories of Panthea had disturbed him. – this was already mentioned shortly before.


 * Counterattack and victory, 163–166 – The Armenian capital Artaxata was captured in 163. This is the only information on "counterattack and victory"? Seems a lot is missing here. (OK, I now see there is some more in the following discussion. But still, maybe a bit could added here.)


 * having never seen combat – so who won the war instead? (OK, now see that the general is mentioned further down; but that information comes a bit too late).


 * He shows marked interest in three areas of the law – "showed" (in past tense)?


 * He was there with his wife and children (another child – "one child" instead of "another child"?


 * Experienced governors had been replaced by friends and relatives of the imperial family. – In what time frame? Is Marcus Aurelius fully responsible here?

That's it. Well written article overall, just needs a bit of polishing. --Jens Lallensack (talk) 21:46, 2 April 2019 (UTC)
 * See my changes here. That should address all of your questions except the last one, which I'll answer shortly. I haven't had much time lately to look over the article. Векочел (talk) 23:48, 7 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Jens, unfortunately the source doesn't clarify the time period in which 'governors had been replaced'. Presumably it was during the reigns of Marcus and Pius. Векочел (talk) 18:02, 10 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Looking good so far, will promote now. Congratulations! --Jens Lallensack (talk) 17:03, 13 April 2019 (UTC)