Nerva

Nerva (Marcus Cocceius Nerva) (nûr`və), c.A.D. 30–A.D. 98, Roman emperor (A.D. 96–A.D. 98). He had an honorable career as a statesman at Rome, and his reputation was blameless. At the death of Domitian he was chosen emperor by the senate in a strong movement toward constitutionalism and senatorial influence and away from hereditary succession. Nerva, a kind, paternal figure, reformed the land laws in favor of the poor, revised taxation, and tolerated the Christians. His greatest achievement was to adopt Trajan and name him as successor. This assured an orderly transfer of power when Nerva died after fifteen months in office.

Bibliography

See B. W. Henderson, Five Roman Emperors (1927).

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Nerva

 in full Nerva Caesar Augustus orig. Marcus Cocceius Nerva

(born c. AD 35—died Jan. 28, 98) Roman emperor (96–98), first of the Five Good Emperors. A member of a distinguished senatorial family, Nerva served twice as consul (71, 90). After an undistinguished career, he was chosen to succeed Domitian because of his age, dignity, and lack of children who would succeed him. He rejected Domitian's autocratic tyranny but completed Domitian's building projects and instituted his administrative and financial reforms. He adopted Trajan as his heir.