Nerva, M. COCCEIUS, a Roman emperor, elected by the senate after the murder of Domitian, 18th September 96 A.D. He was born in 32, or a family belonging to Narnia, in Umbria, and twice held the honour of consulship before his election to the dignity of emperor. He displayed great wisdom and moderation, rectified the administration of justice, and diminished the taxes; but finding himself, on account of his advanced age, not vigorous enough to repress the insolence of the Prætorian Guards, he adopted M. Ulpius Trajanus, then at the head of the army of Germany, who succeeded him on his death, 27th January 98.
Nerva, M. COCCEIUS
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 7: Maltebrun to Pearson, p. 439
Source scan(s): p. 0448