n.
in full Nerva Caesar Augustus orig. Marcus Cocceius Nerva
born 0441; AD 35
died Jan. 28, 98
Roman emperor (9698), first of the Five Good Emperors.
A member of a distinguished senatorial family, Nerva served twice as consul (71, 90). After an undistinguished career, he was chosen to succeed Domitian because of his age, dignity, and lack of children who would succeed him. He rejected Domitian's autocratic tyranny but completed Domitian's building projects and instituted his administrative and financial reforms. He adopted Trajan as his heir.