Marcus Cocceius Nerva was a Roman politician and senator who lived during the 1st century AD. He served as the Roman Emperor from 96 to 98 AD, and is commonly known as Nerva.
Nerva was born in 30 AD in the Italian town of Narni. He belonged to an established Roman family and pursued a political career in the imperial administration. Nerva held various key positions, including consul, proconsul of Asia, and governor of Hispania Tarraconensis. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, he was appointed as a trusted advisor, which contributed to his rise to power.
Nerva became Emperor after Domitian's assassination, marking the beginning of the Nervan-Antonian dynasty. His brief rule focused on repairing the damage caused by his predecessor's reign. Nerva implemented numerous reforms, such as granting greater freedom to senators, reducing taxes, and releasing political prisoners.
One of Nerva's most significant decisions was the establishment of the practice of adopting a suitable successor, to ensure a smooth transfer of power. This paved the way for future Emperors, including his adoptive son Trajan.
Nerva's reign was characterized by a strong emphasis on appeasing the Senate and restoring stability after a period of tyranny. His reign is considered a pivotal moment in Imperial Rome, as it marked the transition from the Julio-Claudian dynasty to the more successful and prosperous period known as the Five Good Emperors.
Nerva died in 98 AD, and his memory is generally regarded positively for his contributions to stability, justice, and the successful succession within the Roman Empire.
