 Like Vespasian , the founder of the Flavian dynasty , Nerva was a member of the Italian nobility rather than one of the elite of Rome . Nevertheless , the Cocceii were among the most esteemed and prominent political families of the late Republic and early Empire , attaining consulships in each successive generation . The direct ancestors of Nerva on his father 's side , all named Marcus Cocceius Nerva , were associated with imperial circles since the time of Emperor Augustus ( 27 BC – AD 14 ) . 
 Like Vespasian , the founder of the Flavian dynasty , Nerva was a member of the Italian nobility rather than one of the elite of Rome . Nevertheless , the Cocceii <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> among the most esteemed and prominent political families of the late Republic and early Empire , attaining consulships in each successive generation . The direct ancestors of Nerva on his father <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>side , all named Marcus Cocceius Nerva , <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>were</mark></a> associated with imperial circles since the time of Emperor Augustus ( 27 BC – AD 14 ) . 
Like Vespasian , the founder of da Flavian dynasty , Nerva was a member of the Italian nobility rather den one of the elite of Rome . Nevertheless , the Cocceii was among the most esteemed and prominent political families of the late Republic and early Empire , attaining consulships in each successive generation . Tdadirect ancestors of Nerva on his father  side , alll named Marcus Cocceius Nerva , was associated w imperial circles since thdaime of Emperor Augustus ( 27 BC – AD 14 ) .