Marcus Cocceius Nerva, a member of the Roman Senate, was declared emperor following the assassination of Domitian, who had ruled with an iron fist. Nerva's ascent to power marked a significant transition in the governance of Rome, as the Senate sought to reassert its influence after years of autocratic rule under Domitian. Domitian’s legacy was characterized by political purges, executions, and a growing detachment from the Senate, leading to widespread discontent among the Roman elite and populace alike. Upon Nerva's proclamation, he quickly took measures to distance himself from his predecessor's harsh policies. The Senate's annulment of Domitian's laws reflected not only a rejection of his regime but also a collective yearning for a more collaborative form of governance. The order to destroy statues of Domitian was symbolic of a new beginning, as the Senate aimed to erase remnants of a despotic past from public memory. This act indicated a clear shift towards a more senatorial and less tyrannical approach to rule, characteristic of the Flavian dynasty's later successors, ultimately paving the way for the adoption of Nerva's more moderate policies.