Nerva-Antonine dynasty Facts for Kids

The Roman Empire in 125.

The Nerva–Antonine dynasty was a special group of seven Roman Emperors. They ruled the mighty Roman Empire from the year 96 to 192. These emperors were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus. This time is often called the "Age of the Five Good Emperors" because of the first five rulers, who were known for their good leadership.

A Time of Roman Emperors
- The Nerva–Trajan Rulers
- The Antonine Rulers
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A Time of Roman Emperors

This period in Roman history was led by a series of powerful emperors. They helped shape the Roman Empire for nearly a hundred years.

The Nerva–Trajan Rulers

Nerva was the first emperor of this dynasty. His time as ruler was short, but he helped bring peace. He made sure the army, the Senate, and the common people got along better.

Nerva chose a popular military leader named Trajan to be his adopted son and the next emperor. This was a common way for emperors to choose their successors. After Trajan, Hadrian became emperor. Hadrian said that Trajan had adopted him just before he died.

The Antonine Rulers

The Antonines were four Roman Emperors who ruled from 138 to 192. They were Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and Commodus.

In 138, Emperor Hadrian had ruled for a long time. He had worked to unite the empire's different cultures. Hadrian chose Antoninus Pius to be his son and the next emperor. But there was a condition: Antoninus Pius had to adopt both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.

Hadrian died that same year. Antoninus Pius then began a peaceful and kind rule. He followed old Roman traditions and shared his power with the Roman Senate.

Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus became emperors together in 161 after Antoninus Pius died. They ruled side-by-side until Lucius Verus passed away in 169. Marcus Aurelius continued to rule after Verus's death. He was known as a humble and talented leader. Marcus Aurelius died in 180, and his own son, Commodus, became the next emperor.