The quote, “Death Smiles…” is widely attributed famously to Marcus Aurelius, the last emperor of the Pax Romana (Latin for “Roman Peace”) — 200 years of peace and stability across the Roman Empire that ended with his death. During his reign from 161 to 180, Rome became one of the largest empires to have ever existed. Marcus Aurelius was also a philosopher, in fact, his first book, Meditations, which first appeared in print in 1559, is still bought in large numbers today.
We say all that, to say this.. Did Marcus Aurelius really say this… no; but he did in the movie, Gladiator and thats good enough for us!