Marius the Epicurean

Marius the Epicurean is a philosophical romance by Walter Pater, published in 1885. It is considered Pater's most substantial work and elaborately presents his ideal of an aesthetic and religious life.1

The novel is set in Rome during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, but it serves as a backdrop for the spiritual development of its protagonist, reflecting late-19th-century concerns. Pater, an English critic and essayist, was a key figure in the Aestheticism movement, advocating for "art for art's sake". His work often explored classical studies and refined artistic sensations, influencing writers like Oscar Wilde.1

Epicureanism, the philosophy that informs the novel's title, was founded by Epicurus in Athens around 306 BCE. Epicurus aimed to provide a systematic approach to philosophy, integrating physics and ethics, and emphasizing pleasure as the highest good.2