# Beata Urbs explained — Marius the Epicurean

> Chapter companion for Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater.

## What happens

Marius visits Marcus Aurelius in his now-empty palace, where the emperor has sold his treasures to fund the war. Aurelius reflects on the 'City on high' and the power of the mind to find peace. The chapter also describes the death and funeral of Lucius Verus, which Marius witnesses, and the subsequent decree of his apotheosis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death, Mortality, and the Hope of Afterlife

The funeral of Lucius Verus and Aurelius's vision of a city without hopeless death highlight the theme.

### Epicurean Philosophy and the Pursuit of Pleasure

Aurelius's detachment from material wealth and focus on mental peace contrasts with Epicurean ideals.

### The Role of Art and Literature in Shaping Experience

Aurelius reads Plato's Republic and uses imaginative vision for spiritual culture.

### Suffering, Compassion, and Human Solidarity

Aurelius's compassion for humanity and his grief for Lucius Verus reflect this theme.

## Character check-ins

### Marius

Visits Aurelius in his empty palace and later attends the funeral of Lucius Verus.

### Marcus Aurelius

Sells imperial treasures for war, meditates on the Celestial City, and mourns Lucius Verus.

### Lucius Verus

Dies suddenly while returning to Rome; his body lies in state and is cremated with grand ceremony.

### Cornelius Fronto

Borrowed the phrase 'City on high' from Aurelius in a recent discourse.

### Faustina

Rumored to be involved in the death of Lucius Verus.

### Lucilla

Suspected of jealousy and possible involvement in Lucius Verus's death.

### Galen

Attempted to embalm the body of Lucius Verus.

## Key lines

> Men seek retirement in country-houses... on the seacoast, on the mountains... But there is little proof of culture therein; since the privilege is yours of retiring into yourself whensoever you please.

People look for peace in rural retreats, but true culture lies in the ability to withdraw into one's own mind at any time.

_Aurelius's reflection on inner retreat._

> It is in thy power to think as thou wilt: The essence of things is in thy thoughts about them.

You have the power to choose your thoughts, and the nature of reality is shaped by your perception.

_Aurelius's Stoic principle of mental sovereignty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters/part-iii-xvii-beata-urbs
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/marius_the_epicurean_se/chapters