Final answer:
Nerva adopted Trajan based on merit, setting a trend for stable succession. Trajan's expansions, governance strategies, and public works, alongside cultural integration policies, contributed to Rome's golden age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nerva and the three emperors who followed him - known as the Five Good Emperors - contributed to Rome's golden age through several significant actions. Here are four things they did:
- Nerva signaled a shift towards a merit-based system of succession, setting a precedent by adopting Trajan as his successor based on his abilities, rather than familial ties, which contributed to political stability.
- Emperor Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial expanse, conducted a fair and practical style of governance, established a program of loans to support farmers and children, and maintained stability through collaboration with the senate.
- The implementation of public works programs, like the vast building initiatives including the Markets of Trajan, created jobs and spurred economic growth.
- Adoption of Roman cultural policies in provinces, as seen through Augustus's 'Romanization' initiatives, helped spread Roman influence and stability across the empire.