18 September AD 96
Domitian murdered, Nerva emperor

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One of the many conspiracies against Domitian (encouraged by his wife, Domitia) is finally successful and he is murdered in the massive new palace that he has built for himself on the Palatine Hill in Rome. It is later said that, although things were terrible under Domitian because no one was allowed to do anything, they were even worse after his murder because everyone could do whatever they liked. On the same day as Domitian's death, Nerva, 20 years the late ruler's senior, is proclaimed emperor by the Senate. Almost immediately, Rome embarks on a frenzy of destruction of the many statues and monuments raised up by Domitian and a fury of killing aimed at the dead emperor's allies and informers. However, the army is hostile to Nerva, and he is forced to adopt Trajan, governor of the upper German province, to safeguard his position. Nerva's own death, after just 16 months as emperor, is peaceful.

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