Marcus Cocceius Nerva
Marcus Cocceius Nerva was a Roman Emperor who ascended to power at the age of sixty-one on September 18, 96 CE, following the assassination of Domitian. His distant relation to the Julio-Claudians, alongside his previous experience as consul in 71 and 90 CE, positioned him as a moderate leader during a tumultuous time in Roman history. Nerva's reign began during a period marked by unrest and a desire for change, and he implemented measures to appease both the military and the populace, such as donatives, land redistribution, and tax reductions. His rule was challenged by the remnants of Domitian's legacy, which included both a wave of public anger against the deposed emperor and a loyal military that had benefitted from his generous policies. To secure his authority, Nerva adopted Trajan, a prominent governor, as his son and coemperor, thereby stabilizing the government and averting potential civil conflict. Despite his efforts, Nerva's reign was short-lived, lasting only sixteen months until his death from a stroke. His legacy is marked by his significant action of adopting Trajan, which ultimately shaped the future of the Roman Empire.
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Marcus Cocceius Nerva
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Emperor
Life
Marcus Cocceius Nerva (MAHR-kuhs kahk-SEE-yuhs NEHR-vuh) came to power at the age of sixty-one on September 18, 96 c.e., after the assassination of Domitian. Related distantly to the Julio-Claudians, he had held the consulship in 71 and 90 c.e. For the conspirators, his age, childlessness, and lack of military connections made him an ideal moderate candidate in a dangerous transitional period. He placated the military and people with donatives, land distribution programs, and tax reductions.
From a senatorial perspective, Domitian’s last years had been a reign of terror. His murder released a wave of fury that condemned the emperor’s memory and destroyed his statues and monuments. The military, however, fondly remembered Domitian as a generous paymaster, and in 97 c.e., the Praetorian Guard compelled Nerva to accede to the execution of two principal conspirators.
His authority crippled, Nerva, perhaps again under compulsion, adopted Trajan, the powerful governor of Upper Germany, as his son, coemperor and successor. This act stabilized the government and prevented a recurrence of civil war. After a sixteen-month reign, Nerva succumbed to a stroke.
Influence
Aside from the forum Nervae (Transitorium), his greatest accomplishment was his stabilizing adoption of Trajan.
Bibliography
Garzetti, Albino. From Tiberius to the Antonines. London: Methuen, 1974.
Scarre, Chris. Chronicle of the Roman Emperors. London: Thames and Hudson, 1995.