Nerva’s Background
Nerva was born in 30 CE and had a distinguished career as a senator and administrator under previous emperors, including Vespasian and Titus. Though he was part of the old Roman aristocracy, Nerva was not related to the Flavian family by blood, which made his selection somewhat unusual. However, his appointment was likely influenced by the Senate’s desire to restore political balance after Domitian’s oppressive rule.
Nerva’s Reign (96 CE – 98 CE)
Nerva’s reign was brief, lasting only from 96 CE to 98 CE. His short tenure, however, was pivotal in the transition from the Flavian dynasty to the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, which would eventually bring some of Rome’s greatest emperors, including Trajan and Hadrian.
One of Nerva’s first acts as emperor was to secure his position by adopting Trajan, a popular and successful general, as his successor. This act of adoption was significant because it set the precedent for a new form of succession—adoptive succession—where emperors would select their heirs based on merit, rather than bloodline. Nerva’s decision to adopt Trajan was largely in response to the lack of a direct heir and the desire to stabilize the empire by choosing a capable successor.
Nerva also focused on reforms to improve the condition of the common people and restored the rights of the Senate, reversing some of Domitian’s autocratic policies. Despite his good intentions, Nerva's reign was marked by difficulties, including tensions with the military and limited resources to fully assert control over the empire.
Nerva’s Death and Trajan’s Ascension
Nerva ruled for only a little over a year before he died in 98 CE, likely due to natural causes or illness. His death marked the end of his brief reign and the beginning of Trajan’s long and prosperous rule. Trajan, who had been adopted by Nerva, was widely regarded as an able and popular military leader. His succession was smooth, and he became one of Rome’s greatest emperors, known for expanding the empire to its greatest territorial extent. shutdown123