A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

2. AnniaFaustina, or Faustina Junior, was the daughter of the elder Fausrina. During the life of Hadrian she was betrothed to the son of Aelius Caesar; but upon the accession of her father, Antoninus Pius, the match was broken off, in consequence of the extreme youth of L. Verus, and it was fixed that she should become the bride of M. Aurelius, although the marriage was not solemnized until A. D. 145 or 146. She died in a village on the skirts of Mount Taurus, in the year A. D. 175, having accompanied ihe emperor to Syria, when he visited the East for the purpose of restoring tranquillity after the rebellion of Avidius Cassius, which is said to have been excited by her intrigues [M. AURELIUS; AVIDIUS CASSIUS]. Her profligacy was so open and infamous, that the good nature or blindness of her husband, who cherished her fondly while alive, and loaded her with honours after her death, appear truly marvellous. (D. C. 71.10, 22, 29, 31; Capitolin. M. Aurel. 6, 19, 26; Eutrop. 8.5; Eckhel, vol. vii. p. 76.)