Nerva–Trajan dynasty Nerva was the first of the dynasty. Though his reign was short, it saw a partial reconciliation between the army, the senate and the commoners, as well as the public denouncement of his predecessor
Domitian's comparatively ruthless demeanor. Nerva adopted as his son the popular military leader
Trajan. In turn,
Hadrian succeeded Trajan; he had been the latter's heir presumptive, and averred that he had been adopted by him on Trajan's deathbed.
Antonine dynasty The
Antonines are four
Roman Emperors who ruled between 138 and 192:
Antoninus Pius,
Marcus Aurelius,
Lucius Verus and
Commodus. In 138, after a long reign dedicated to the cultural unification and consolidation of the empire, the Emperor
Hadrian named Antoninus Pius his son and heir, under the condition that he adopt both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Hadrian died that same year, and Antoninus began a peaceful, benevolent reign. He adhered strictly to
Roman traditions and institutions, and shared his power with the
Roman Senate. Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus succeeded Antoninus Pius in 161 upon that emperor's death, and co-ruled until Verus' death in 169. Marcus continued the Antonine legacy after Verus' death as an unpretentious and gifted administrator and leader. He died in 180 and was followed by his biological son, Commodus. == The Five Good Emperors ==