Nerva
96 to 98 AD
Adoptive father of Trajan
Born Marcus Cocceius Nerva, he was Roman emperor from 96–98 AD. He was the first of the Five Good Emperors, and the last emperor who was Italian both by family and by birth. After Domitian's assassination in 96 following his reign of terror, Nerva was made emperor on September 18, 96. He may have been approached by the conspirators against Domitian because he was elderly (61) and childless. After his accession, Nerva proceeded to set a new tone: he released those imprisoned for treason, banned future prosecutions for treason, restored much confiscated property, and involved the Roman Senate in his rule. He probably did so as a means to remain relatively popular (and therefore alive), but this did not completely aid him. Support for Domitian in the army remained strong, and in October 97 the Praetorian Guard laid siege to the Imperial Palace on the Palatine Hill and took Nerva hostage. He 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 then adopted Trajan, a commander of the armies on the German frontier, as his successor shortly thereafter in order to bolster his own rule. Casperius Aelianus, the Guard Prefect responsible for the mutiny against Nerva, was later executed under Trajan.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerva
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Nerva 96 to 98 AD AE Quadrans Obvs: IMP NERVA CAES AVG, Modius. Revs: SC, Winged caduceus. 15mm, 2.5g $8.00 Order # RI 116 Ref: 1989 RIC II.230.109 Qty Shipping amount