Nerva

Roman Empire 69

Bust of Domitian (loan from Capitoline Museums) - Glyptothek - Munich - Germany 2017 (2)

Tempio di Minerva detto Le colonnacce

Nerva Aureus Concordia

Statue of Roman Emperor Nerva, Via dei Fori Imperiali

Trajan Divi Nerva

Nerva (Marcus Cocceius Nerva Caesar Augustus; 8 November, AD 30 – 27 January, AD 98) was Roman Emperor from 18 September, AD 96 to 27 January, AD 98. Nerva's reign marked the transition between the Flavian dynasty and the Antonine dynasty. He was succeeded by his adopted son, Trajan, who was a distant relative and a prominent general under his rule. Nerva's brief reign was notable for his decision to adopt Trajan as his heir, setting a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power that would characterize the era of the "Five Good Emperors".

Early Life

Nerva was born in Narni, in the Umbria region of Italy, into a family that was well-established in the Roman political and social elite. His father, Marcus Cocceius Nerva, was a consul during the reign of Caligula, and his mother, Sergia Plautilla, came from a politically influential family. Despite his illustrious lineage, little is known about Nerva's early career, but it is believed that he held various positions within the Roman Senate and was known for his competence and integrity.

Rise to Power

Nerva came to power in the aftermath of the assassination of Domitian, the last of the Flavian emperors. Domitian's increasingly autocratic rule had led to dissatisfaction among the Senate and the Roman elite, culminating in a conspiracy that led to his death. In the power vacuum that followed, Nerva was chosen as emperor by the Senate, largely because of his reputation for moderation and his age, which suggested that his reign might be short.

Reign

As emperor, Nerva initiated several reforms aimed at restoring the Senate's authority and improving the state's finances, which had been depleted by Domitian's military campaigns and extensive building projects. He also implemented policies to alleviate the suffering of the poor and to promote the welfare of the Roman people, including the alimenta, a program that provided state support for Italy's orphans and poor children.

Despite these measures, Nerva's reign was marked by unrest, particularly among the Praetorian Guard, who had been loyal to Domitian. In 97 AD, the Praetorians demanded the execution of those involved in Domitian's assassination, leading to a brief crisis that threatened Nerva's rule. In response, Nerva adopted Trajan, the governor of Germania Superior, as his heir, securing the loyalty of the army and ensuring the stability of the empire.

Death and Legacy

Nerva died of natural causes in January 98 AD, after a reign of sixteen months. He was deified by the Senate and succeeded by Trajan, who would go on to become one of Rome's greatest emperors. Nerva's adoption of Trajan established the practice of adoptive succession, which ensured the peaceful transfer of power for the next several decades, a period known as the Pax Romana.

Nerva's reign, though brief, is remembered for its significant contributions to the stability and prosperity of the Roman Empire. His policies laid the groundwork for the successful reigns of the Antonine emperors, and his decision to adopt Trajan is seen as a pivotal moment in Roman history, marking the beginning of a golden age of imperial leadership.