This is the story of Nerva from Emperor till his death.

Summary

Nerva, also known as Nerva Caesar Augustus, was a Roman Emperor from 96 to 98 AD. Born in Nani, near Rome, he came from a politically influential family with a history of consulships. Nerva's reign marked a significant shift as he was the first emperor elected by the Roman Senate. He aimed to restore freedoms suppressed under Domitian but faced financial and military challenges. His adoption of Trajan as successor initiated the adoptive Emperors system, leading to the peaceful Antonine dynasty. Despite mixed historical assessments, Nerva's legacy lies in his establishment of a stable succession that averted civil war.

Takeaways

• 👑 Nerva, also known as Nerva Caesar Augustus, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 96 to 98 AD.
• 👶 He ascended to the throne at the age of 65, following a career under Nero and the Flavian dynasty.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Nerva played a key role in uncovering the Pisonian conspiracy of 65 AD during Nero's reign.
• 🏛️ He served as Consul in 71 and 90 AD under Vespasian and Domitian, respectively.
• 🏡 Born in Nani, 50 km north of Rome, his family had a history of political influence.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Nerva's father was a Consul under Caligula, and his mother was Sergio Plotilla.
• 🤝 The Nerva family was linked to the Julian-Claudian dynasty through marriage alliances.
• 🔍 His great-grandfather and grandfather held significant positions during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius.
• 🗣️ Nerva was the first Roman Emperor elected by the Senate after the assassination of Domitian.
• 💼 His reign faced financial challenges and military unrest, leading to the adoption of Trajan as his successor.
• ⚖️ Despite being seen as wise by ancient historians, modern views portray Nerva as a weak ruler whose reign nearly led to civil war.
• 🔄 Nerva's legacy includes the establishment of the adoptive Emperor system and the Antonine dynasty, ensuring peaceful transitions of power.

Q & A

Who was Nava and what was his reign known as?

Nava, also known as Nerva Caesar Augustus, was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 96 to 98 AD.

At what age did Nava take the throne?

Nava took the throne at the age of sixty-five.

What significant event did Nava play a role in during Nero's reign?

During Nero's reign, Nava played a crucial role in uncovering the Pisonian conspiracy of 65 AD.

What positions did Nava hold under the Flavian dynasty?

Nava served as Consul in 71 and 90 AD during the reigns of Vespasian and Domitian, respectively.

Where was Nava born and what was his family background?

Nava was born in the town of Nani, located 50 kilometers north of Rome. He came from a respected and influential political family, the Coccii.

Who were Nava's parents and what notable positions did they hold?

Nava's father, Marcus Cocceius Nerva, served as a suffect Consul during the reign of Caligula, while his mother was Sergia Plotina.

What was the significance of the marriage between Cox Air and Lucius Salvia Titianus?

Cox Air, Nava's sister, married Lucius Salvia Titianus, the brother of the former emperor Otho, linking Nava's family to the imperial family.

How was Nava's family connected to the Julio-Claudian dynasty?

Nava's family was connected to the Julio-Claudian dynasty through the marriage of Gaius Octavius Lena's brother to Rubellia Bassa, Tiberius' step-great-granddaughter.

What was the historical significance of Nava's election as Emperor by the Roman Senate?

Nava's election by the Roman Senate marked the first time that the Senate had elected a Roman Emperor.

What challenges did Nava face during his reign?

Nava's reign was troubled by financial difficulties and his lack of control over the Roman military.

What was Nava's greatest achievement during his reign?

Nava's greatest achievement was his successful establishment of the adoptive Emperors and the Antonine dynasty, which ensured a peaceful transfer of power after his death.

How did Nava's reign end and who succeeded him?

Nava passed away due to natural causes just 15 months after taking office. He was succeeded by Trajan, who was deified after Nava's death.