On September 18, 96, Domitian was succeeded by Marcus Cocceius Nerva, an old and childless senator who
proved to be unpopular with the army. After a brief and tumultuous year in
power, a revolt by members of the Praetorian Guard compelled him to adopt the
more popular Trajan as his heir and successor. Nerva died on January 27, 98, and
was succeeded by his adopted son without incident.