The imperial succession at Rome was notoriously uncertain, and where possible hereditary succession was preferred.

John Grainger's detailed study looks at aperiod of intrigue and conspiracy. He explores how, why and by whom Domitian was killed, the rule of Nerva, chosen to succeed him, and finally Nerva's own choice of successor, Trajan, who became a strong and respected emperor against the odds.

Perhaps most significantly Grainger investigates the effects of this dynastic uncertainty both inside and outside the ruling group in Rome, asking why civil war did not occur in this time of political upheaval.

The last time a dynasty had failed, in AD 68, a damaging military conflict had resulted; at the next failure in AD 192, another war broke out; by the third century civil war was institutionalized, and was one of the main reasons for the eventual downfall of the entire imperial structure. Grainger argues that though AD 96-98 stands out as the civil war that did not happen, it was a perilously close-run thing.

About the Author

John D. Grainger is a freelance historian and former teacher. He is the author of several books on ancient history including Seleukos Nikator, The League of Aitolians and The Roman War of Antiochus the Great.

Reviews

'Grainger's accunt of Nerva will no doubt become the standard work in English for a while to come. Its thoroughness and the sobriety of its analyses make it a realiable guide and worthy addition to the ... bookshelf.' - Scholia Reviews, 12, 2003, 25

'The book is as beautifully presented as it is lucdily written ... The author is to be commended for a worthwhile addition to Routledge's series of Imperial biographies.' - Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415349581
Author John D. Grainger
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 800g