1. Philosophy: Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher, and he brought his philosophical beliefs to his role as emperor. He believed in the importance of duty, self-control, and justice. He also believed that the best way to rule was to lead by example and to treat others with respect and compassion.
2. Peace: Marcus Aurelius' reign was relatively peaceful, compared to the reigns of many other emperors. He avoided wars whenever possible, and he negotiated peace treaties with Rome's enemies. He also worked to improve the lives of Roman citizens, by building new roads and aqueducts, and by providing financial assistance to the poor.
3. Tolerance: Marcus Aurelius was tolerant of other religions and beliefs. He allowed Christians and Jews to worship freely, and he even appointed some Christians to high positions in the government.
4. Intellectual pursuits: Marcus Aurelius was an intellectual, and he encouraged scholarship and learning. He founded the Imperial Library in Rome, and he invited scholars from all over the empire to come and study there. He also wrote a series of philosophical meditations, called the Meditations, which are still read and admired today.
5. Co-rule: Marcus Aurelius shared power with his adopted brother, Lucius Verus, for much of his reign. This was unusual in Roman history, as most emperors ruled alone. However, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus worked well together, and they were able to successfully govern the empire.