Five good emperors

Nerva. .
He was a conservative man who promised to deal with the senate fairly and never put one of its members to death. The main things thatcharacterize the reign of Nerva are his excellent relations with the senate, his completion of Dominitan's projects, his vast amount of spending on securing public good will, his attempt to increase civiliandislike for Dominitan, and the fact that he initiated a system of adopting heirs to ensure the succession of the best candidates. He adopted Trajan to be his heir, and thus inheriting the throne afterhim. In power for two years. From 96 to 98.

Trajan .
Began his reign with pomp, killing all the leaders of the group who had shamed Nerva. He was namedOptimus Maximus, meaning the best because of his respect for the senate and a series of foreign wars in which he attempted to extend the empire. He is well known for his contributions to public services,including an increase in the free distribution of food, the repair of roads, and the construction of the Forum, Market, and baths of Trajan. He adopted Hadrian, who became his successor. Ruled from98-117.
Hadrian.
His first accomplishment was the termination of Trajan's attempts at expansion. He also abandoned military conquests because they were tooexpensive, and paid more attention to the provinces, traveling and listening to them. Regarding government and law, he developed the Frumentarii, or Secret Service, and established the Equestrian Orderwhich took the major burden of civil service and amassed secretariat positions. He built the Hadrian wall. Ruled from 117-138.

Antonius Pinus .
His name arosefrom his refusing to executing the list that was waiting when he came to power. He had no desire to conquer so his reign was very prosperous and he restored the status of the senate. Some other of...