ABSTRACT
The emperors Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, from AD 96 to 180, are often called the 'five good emperors'. The most important act of Nerva's brief rule was his adoption of Marcus Ulpius Traianus, Trajan, as son, heir, and co-regent. A year after the adoption, Nerva died before his new son had even come to Rome. Trajan, the first emperor of provincial origin, was born in Spain at Italica near Hispalis in the rich province of Baetica. An orphan at age ten, Hadrian had become the ward of Trajan, his father's cousin and closest male relative. Plotina took a great interest in Hadrian and promoted his career. Although Hadrian was a restless innovator, Antoninus Pius was a man who had always played it safe. As Hadrian had planned, Marcus Aurelius smoothly succeeded Antoninus Pius. Under the five good emperors, the second century AD appears too many as the golden age of the Roman Empire.
