Nerva in Roman Biography

Ner'va, (Marcus Cocceius,) a Roman emperor, born in Umbria in 32 A.D. He was consul with Vespasian in 71, and with Domitian in 90 A.D. On the death of Domitian, in the year 96, he was proclaimed emperor by the army and the people. His administration was mild and liberal. He recalled exiles who had been banished by former emperors, and enforced penalties against informers. He made and performed a vow that he would not put any senator to death. His mutinous praetorian soldiers compelled him to permit the execution of the assassins of Domitian. He adopted Trajan as his son and successor, and died in 98 A.D. See Xillsmont, " Histoire des Empereurs;" Aurelius " Victor, De Viribus illustribus ;" F. J. de Barrett, " Histoire des deux Regnes de Nerva et de Trajan," 1790