The term "Adoptive Emperors" refers to the six Roman emperors Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, and Lucius Verus, as each adopted his successor. The purpose of the adoption was to ensure that the next emperor was chosen solely based on his abilities. Only the best should be destined to become emperor. The period of the Adoptive Emperors (98-192 AD) saw significant events in the Roman Empire, both domestically and in foreign policy. For instance, the Dacian and Marcomannic wars were fought to fend off the Germanic incursions at the empire's borders, and under Trajan, the empire reached its greatest extent. Architecture also experienced a new flourishing, as evidenced by the creation of significant monuments, such as the reconstruction of the Pantheon and Trajan's Forum in Rome. Oliver Schipp provides a concise overview in this compact volume.