The Life of Nerva
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Other names: Born: Died: Cause of death: Reign: Dynasty: Predecessor: Successor: |
Early Life
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Marcus Cocceius Nerva was born 8 November 30 AD in Narni, some 30 miles north of Rome. Nerva did not belong to Rome's aristocracy, but did hail from a noble family. His father, of the same name, had served as a consul during the reign of Caligula. In fact, many of Nerva's ancestors had served as consuls through the generations. His family had always held close connections to Rome's emperors.
Nerva himself was appointed as a praetor in 65, but moved onto become an adviser to Nero, rather than pursuing the usual cursus honorum. During his time as Nero's adviser he helped to uncover the Pisonian conspiracy that sought to overthrow Nero, an action which earned him triumphal honours as well as statues of him that were erected throughout the imperial palace. During this time Nerva also became friends with the esteemed military commander and future emperor, Vespasian. It was through this friendship that Nerva would tutor Vespasian's son Domitian while he was away on campaigns with Titus. This would one day lead to Nerva succeeding Domitian as emperor. Vespasian would become emperor in 69 after a chaotic year known as the year of the four emperors. Nerva remained a stalwart supporter of Vespasian during his reign as emperor, as well as the reigns of both of his sons. He was appointed as a consul in the year 71, early on in Vespasian's reign. After this, not much is known about Nerva's activities - other than the fact he would have served as an adviser and close confidant of the Flavian dynasty. In 89, he helped quash the rebellion of Saturninus, a governor of Germania, who sought to revolt against the rule of Domitian. For his efforts, Nerva was once again awarded the consulship in 90. Accession to the throne
In 96 Domitian was assassinated during a conspiracy, one that Nerva was unable to uncover before it could happen. Surprisingly, it was Nerva who was chosen by the Senate to succeed Domitian. He had a great degree of experience in politics and had been close to the imperial family for decades. However he had never been in the spotlight before this, and some even believed him to be involved in Domitian's death. Being a close adviser to the unpopular and recently assassinated Domitian should have hampered his chances.
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Bust of Nerva. By Unknown - Marie-Lan (2006), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1237011
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Nevertheless, Nerva accepted his appointment as Rome's new emperor so as to avoid any chance of civil war. It is very unlikely the Senate or Nerva had anything to do with Domitian's death, but both parties were keen to restore order. The Senate quickly declared a damnatio memoriae on Domitian, resulting in all images of him being destroyed, whether on coins, painting or statues. His name was also erased from public documents. It is unlikely whether Nerva was in support of this, considering his close connection to the Flavian dynasty over the years but keeping on the right side of the Senate was always prudent.
Reign
Nerva's accession to the throne was received well by most, especially the Senate who were glad to be rid of Domitian and his ruthless treatment of them. Nerva swore that no more members of the Senate would be executed while he was Emperor. Those who were exiled during the reign of his predecessor were allowed to return to their homes, as well has having private property, land and fortunes returned.
Since he was not popular with the public, Nerva introduced a number of measures to earn their favour. He started, as was tradition, by giving a sum of money to all citizens and soldiers as a celebration of the start of his reign. He also introduced a number of reforms to boost the wealth of Rome's poorest, by removing the inheritance tax on low income families as well as granting them land. In an effort to reduce inequality he granted new rights to provinces throughout the empire and corrupt tax extortion of the provinces was cracked down on. In order to pay for these fiscal reforms Nerva melted down Domitian's silver and gold statues as well as auctioning off all of his assets.
Nerva would not reign long enough to introduce any major public works, but he expanded upon the projects that had been started by the Flavian emperors before him. He made repairs to the roads that webbed their way across the Roman Empire as well as extending the already vast network of aqueducts that provided water to the many towns and cities in Italy and throughout the provinces.
Since he was not popular with the public, Nerva introduced a number of measures to earn their favour. He started, as was tradition, by giving a sum of money to all citizens and soldiers as a celebration of the start of his reign. He also introduced a number of reforms to boost the wealth of Rome's poorest, by removing the inheritance tax on low income families as well as granting them land. In an effort to reduce inequality he granted new rights to provinces throughout the empire and corrupt tax extortion of the provinces was cracked down on. In order to pay for these fiscal reforms Nerva melted down Domitian's silver and gold statues as well as auctioning off all of his assets.
Nerva would not reign long enough to introduce any major public works, but he expanded upon the projects that had been started by the Flavian emperors before him. He made repairs to the roads that webbed their way across the Roman Empire as well as extending the already vast network of aqueducts that provided water to the many towns and cities in Italy and throughout the provinces.
A coin bearing the image of Nerva during his reign. By Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2545491
Choosing an heir
Nerva's reforms and projects proved incredibly popular with both the Senate and the people of the empire, but there was one faction who remained unconvinced - the military, in particular the Praetorian Guard. They wanted Domitian's assassins brought to justice, which had not yet happened under Nerva's rule. The growing unrest threatened the security of his reign, and he soon feared it could descend into anarchy.
Nerva also needed to decide upon a successor as he was now advanced in age and in poor health. The current situation combined with the fact that there was no one to replace him lead to further fears of civil war. In October 97 the Praetorian Guard stormed the imperial palace and took Nerva and forced him to provide information on all of Domitian's assassins as well as publicly thanking them. While he wasn't physically harmed in the event, Nerva had now lost any authority he once had.
Nerva decided to win back the support of the public and the military by adopting Trajan as his heir. Trajan was a hugely popular military commander and was immediately granted the title of Caesar as well as the position of consul in 98. Trajan was likely the only person who could succeed Nerva without causing civil war, or at the very least great unrest. His popularity and social background ensured that order would be maintained.
Nerva also needed to decide upon a successor as he was now advanced in age and in poor health. The current situation combined with the fact that there was no one to replace him lead to further fears of civil war. In October 97 the Praetorian Guard stormed the imperial palace and took Nerva and forced him to provide information on all of Domitian's assassins as well as publicly thanking them. While he wasn't physically harmed in the event, Nerva had now lost any authority he once had.
Nerva decided to win back the support of the public and the military by adopting Trajan as his heir. Trajan was a hugely popular military commander and was immediately granted the title of Caesar as well as the position of consul in 98. Trajan was likely the only person who could succeed Nerva without causing civil war, or at the very least great unrest. His popularity and social background ensured that order would be maintained.
Death & Legacy
Nerva's reign came to an end in 98. After having a stroke in early January, he later died of a fever on 28 January. As expected the transition of power from Nerva to Trajan went smoothly. Trajan immediately dedicated a temple to his predecessor and deified him.
Unfortunately, Nerva is remembered as an emperor who was weak and unable to truly carry out his will, despite having the Roman Empire's best interests at heart. While he was able to win over the Senate and the populace, his inability to bring the army to heel lead to the issues faced in the last months of his reign. However, he is still considered the first of Rome's five 'good emperors', and his adoption of Trajan showed his commitment to ensuring Rome's survival.
Unfortunately, Nerva is remembered as an emperor who was weak and unable to truly carry out his will, despite having the Roman Empire's best interests at heart. While he was able to win over the Senate and the populace, his inability to bring the army to heel lead to the issues faced in the last months of his reign. However, he is still considered the first of Rome's five 'good emperors', and his adoption of Trajan showed his commitment to ensuring Rome's survival.
Trivia
- Nerva was linked to the Julio-Claudian dynasty through the marriage between his brother-in-law, Gaius Octavius Laenas and Rubellia Bassa, Tiberius' great-granddaughter.
- Nerva was praised for his literary skills by the poet Martial, stating that he was the 'Tibullus of our time'.
- Cassius Dio claimed Nerva knew of the plot to assassinate Domitian, and was even approached by them to be his successor.
- Nerva made loans to landowners at a rate of 5% interest. He donated this money to charitable causes that helped impoverished families and orphaned children. This would later be expanded upon by Trajan.
- Nerva cracked down on corruption in regard to the Fiscus ludiacus, the tax which Jews in the Roman Empire had to pay. Often people were extorted for more money than was required.
- Nerva was the first of the five good emperors. He started a tradition of adopting a successor which would last until the reign of Marcus Aurelius.