Nerva (reigned AD 96–⁠98)

Dio writes that the conspirators against Domitian sounded out many men about the throne, but each refused, fearing a trap. Marcus Cocceius Nerva agreed: a man of the noblest family, mild, and in danger himself, since astrologers had foretold that he would rule. On September 18, AD 96, the day of the assassination, the Senate proclaimed him emperor. He was 65, with no children and no legions. His reign and the choice of a successor — in season 3.