25 Facts About Nerva

Nerva became emperor when aged almost 66, after a lifetime of imperial service under Nero and the succeeding rulers of the Flavian dynasty.

Nerva had at least one attested sister, named Cocceia, who married Lucius Salvius Otho Titianus, the brother of the earlier Emperor Otho.

Nerva's great-grandfather was consul in 36 BC, and Governor of Asia in the same year.

Nerva was praetor-elect in the year 65 and, like his ancestors, moved in imperial circles as a skilled diplomat and strategist.

Again, the honour suggested Nerva had played a part in uncovering the conspiracy, perhaps in a fashion similar to what he did during the Pisonian conspiracy under Nero.

Nerva was old and childless, and had spent much of his career out of the public light, prompting both ancient and modern authors to speculate on his involvement in Domitian's assassination, although his probable lack of involvement would have made him acceptable to the Domitianic faction.

The precise facts have been obscured by history, but modern historians believe Nerva was proclaimed Emperor solely on the initiative of the Senate, within hours after the news of the assassination broke.

Nerva had seen the anarchy which had resulted from the death of Nero; he knew that to hesitate even for a few hours could lead to violent civil conflict.

Nerva called an end to trials based on treason, released those who had been imprisoned under these charges, and granted amnesty to many who had been exiled.

Nerva sought to involve the Senate in his government, but this was not entirely successful.

Since Suetonius says the people were ambivalent at Domitian's death, Nerva had to introduce a number of measures to gain support among the Roman populace.

Large amounts of money were obtained from Domitian's silver and gold statues, and Nerva forbade that similar images be made in his honor.

Early in 97, a conspiracy led by the senator Gaius Calpurnius Piso Crassus Frugi Licinianus failed, but Nerva refused to put the conspirators to death, much to the disapproval of the Senate.

Nerva had no natural children of his own and only distant relatives, who were unsuited for political office.

Nerva was forced to submit to their demands, agreeing to hand over those responsible for Domitian's death and even giving a speech thanking the rebellious Praetorians.

Nerva was unharmed in this assault, but his authority was damaged beyond repair.

Nerva realized that his position was no longer tenable without the support of an heir who had the approval of both the army and the people.

Contrary to the view here popularized by Cassius Dio Nerva had in fact little choice with regard to his successor.

Likewise, Edward Gibbon's assertion that Nerva hereby established a tradition of succession through adoption among the Five Good Emperors has found little support among modern historians.

Nerva was the last Roman emperor to be interred there.

Nerva was succeeded without incident by his adopted son Trajan, who was greeted by the Roman populace with much enthusiasm.

The most substantial surviving account of the reign of Nerva was written by the 3rd-century historian Cassius Dio.

Nerva was not, apparently, a great orator, and one has the impression that he functioned better in small groups, where his generally calm approach to problems will have impressed people.

Rome was, indeed, spared catastrophe; but for all that near-contemporary writers were "careful" about what they said, Nerva's administration was fairly inept.

Two modern statues which commemorate Nerva can be found in towns associated with him.