NERVA (M. Cocceius Nerva), ROMAN EMPEROR. — N. was born at Narni in 26 A.D. and died at Rome in January 98. Of an aristocratic family, he was consul in 71 and 90. At the death of Domitian in 96, he was acclaimed emperor; old but wise and energetic, during his brief reign he sought to repair his predecessor’s political and social damage, laying the foundations for a prudent administration, which was continued by his successors.
He immediately abolished the burdensome didrachma tax, restricting the obligation to the Jews alone, for whom it had been imposed; he prohibited anonymous accusations and accusations of impiety; he recalled those exiled by Domitian, among whom were also many Christians. S. Giovanni Evangelista was then able to leave the island of Patmos, where he had been confined, and return to Ephesus.