John Grainger presents an interesting, readable and highly convincing study of the tense crisis that existed following the assassination of Domitian in September 96 A.D. to the arrival of Trajan in Rome in 99. The efficiency and prosperity of the Roman Empire established under Vespasian, Titus and Domitian was endangered by the sudden, unexpected murder of the autocratic, increasingly suspicious Emperor Domitian. With popularity among elements of the military and Praetorian Guards, Domitian was nevertheless detested by the Senatorial oligarchy that was pleased at his death and wanted to ratify the coup without bloody civil wars such as those that followed the death of Nero in A.D. 68-69. The elderly (mid-60s), childless senator and jurist Nerva, had been among the senators privy to the conspiracy and was quickly selected by the Senate to succeed Domitian. Given his old age, experience and childlessness, it was hoped that he could calm the situation while facilitating the transition to a new era of constructive partnership between the Senatorial aristocracy and military establishment.
Nerva proved to be a wise choice. An affable, diplomatic veteran of court life who had secured high favor in the reigns of Nero, Vespasian and Domitian (three very different emperors), Nerva was also experienced in the art of political timing and maneuver. He also was wise enough to secure advice from Senatorial elite in making a choice of eventual successor to the imperial power. In the face of assassination threats and uprisings among the Guards, Nerva used the occasion of a Roman victory against the German tribes announced in October 97 to defuse the danger by naming as his successor, Trajan, the respected commander of the largest and closest body of legions (frontier of Upper Germany). Bereft of any military reputation himself, Nerva now had the immense military prestige of Trajan at his back and was able to continue his reign peacefully until his death at the end of January 98.
Grainger uses sources from the time, including coins, inscriptions from monuments and public works to assess the particular contributions of Nerva to the events and critical decisions taking place. Although only 16 months in length, the reign of Nerva proved to be very active in terms of useful legislation and also the furtherance of the elements of good government begun by Domitian. The avoidance of civil war was probably the single biggest advantage derived from Nerva’s reign. Peace and prosperity continued under Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius for more than 80 years after Nerva’s death. Since those alive at the time remembered the bloodshed and destruction of the civil wars of 68-69, it is obvious that this preservation of order was appreciated by the ruling elite. Nerva was deified and honored after his death. We ourselves can assess the tragedy of the civil wars of the 190s (following the assassination of Commodus) and throughout the 3rd Century that eventually led to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Unlike many of the ancient historians, Grainger gives due credit to Domitian for his military and administrative acumen. Nerva, despite his brief reign, left behind a significant legacy of useful legislation and continuity of the best aspects of the Flavian era into the widely heralded golden age of Trajan. The book is well-written and interesting, but a scholarly and challenging rather than suitable for casual reading.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
The Keen Reader
Nerva and the Roman Succession Crisis of AD 96-99
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2014Jason Gacek
Excellent Review of a Key Transition
Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2009
JPS
A fascinating but somewhat speculative story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2012