Lisa Burke on Today Radio explores timeless lessons from the philosopher emperor at Trier’s state exhibition with Dr Viola Skiba and Helena Huber.

Across the border from Luxembourg, in Germany’s oldest city, two of Trier’s leading museums, the Rheinisches Landesmuseum and the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, have joined forces for an extraordinary state exhibition on Marcus Aurelius.

This collaborative showcase invites visitors to explore one of Rome’s most fascinating figures: the Philosopher Emperor whose reflections on Stoicism and virtue continue to inspire thinkers, leaders, and citizens nearly two thousand years later.

In this episode Lisa Burke speaks with Dr. Viola Skiba, Director of the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, and Helena Huber, Curator at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier. Together, they unpack the meaning of good governance: what makes a good leader? And for whom? This is a question as urgent today as it was in the Roman Empire.

“Marcus Aurelius is remembered as the ‘good emperor’,” explains Huber. “But his reign was far from peaceful. His stoic philosophy guided him through wars, plague, and political turmoil — and it still offers lessons for ethical leadership today.”

Dr. Skiba adds: “The question of good governance is universal and timeless. From antiquity to our modern democracies, people have always asked: what makes a good ruler, and for whom?”

The exhibition is divided between the two museums. The Landesmuseum explores Marcus Aurelius: Emperor, Commander, Philosopher, combining archaeological treasures with philosophical interpretation. The Stadtmuseum complements this with What Is Good Government? Here, they examine ideals of leadership, justice, and representation through history including striking medieval imagery where kings symbolically kissed or even shared a bed to show peace and trust to their people.

Beyond the exhibition’s intellectual richness, visitors can immerse themselves in Trier’s extraordinary Roman heritage: the Porta Nigra, vast thermal baths, and some of Europe’s most important mosaics. As Huber puts it, “The Romans left us their Instagram of the time; images and monuments showing how they wanted to be remembered.”

For today’s audiences, Marcus Aurelius is more than a historical figure. His Meditations, a private diary of self-discipline, justice, and humility, continue to offer a mirror for leadership and citizenship in the 21st century.

“Peace, justice, prosperity and the common good: these are still the foundations of what we all seek,” says Skiba. “Marcus Aurelius helps us remember that good governance begins with virtue.”

https://www.trier-info.de/en/package-offers/marc-aurel-2025