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[[File: Praetorian Guard One.jpg|200px250px|thumbthumbnail|left|Praetorian Guards from the 1st century AD]]The Praetorian Guard was critical in the politics and government of Imperial Rome for approximately 300 years. This military unit was unique, and it for extended periods of time, had great power and influence. They were the guardians of the Emperors and sometimes their masters. This article will examine the role of the Guards in the history of the greatest Empire in Antiquity. It will demonstrate that they had the power to remove weak Emperors and became important power brokers in the Empire.

Yet for most of their history, they were The Praetorian Guard was critical in the loyal protectors politics and government of the leader of the Roman WorldImperial Rome for approximately 300 years. The Guards were also an important This military unit who played a significant role in maintaining peace was unique and wielded power and security influence in Rome . They were the guardians of the Emperors and throughout Italysometimes their masters. The guards also played a significant This article will examine the role of the Guards in Roman history. It will demonstrate that they had the administration power to remove weak Emperors and policing of the capital of became important power brokers in the Empire and Italy.

====The Praetorian Guard Composition====The Praetorian Guards were an elite unit in the Imperial Army, and For most of their role was to protect the person of the Emperorhistory, a task they shared with were the Imperial German bodyguard<ref>Bingham, Sandra. The Praetorian Guard: A History loyal protectors of Rome's Elite Special Forces (London, IB Tauris, 2013), p 118</ref>. They were the only army unit allowed to bear arms in Rome, but out leader of respect to Republican sensibilities, they never wore armor in the city’s precinctsRoman World. The Guards were divided into some cohorts, also an important military unit that numbered several hundred men typically. The various cohorts were composed of infantry and cavalry. For the first few centuries, they were mainly recruited from central Italy, and many were able to secure admission because of family or political connections<ref>Bingham, p 119</ref>. Over time more and more experienced legionnaires joined the Guards. The Praetorians were organized under played a Praetorian Prefect, who became a vital military significant role in maintaining peace and political figure. The Prefect was eventually to command not only the guard but the urban militia of security in Romeand Italy. The individual cohorts were under the command of guards also played a tribune. Those who served meaningful role in the Guards had better pay, conditions administration and a shorter service than regular legionnaires. They were usually members policing of the Equestrian Order, which meant that they were from a high social class until at least 195 A.D when Septimius Severus reformed the Guard <ref> Bingham, p 201</ref>. The Guards was seen as a great way to advance the career capital of the ambitious Empire and its members had a great deal of social prestigeItaly.

====The History of What was the Praetorian Guard==?==[[File: The Praetorian Guard ThreeGuards were an elite unit in the Imperial Army.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Battle of Their role was to protect the Milvian Bridge]]During the decline of the Roman RepublicEmperor's person, a task they shared with the various generals who competed for power and influence often created their Imperial German bodyguard.<ref>Bingham, Sandra. The name Praetorian- comes from the LatinGuard: A History of Rome's Elite Special Forces (London, for General’s tent. Julius Caesar was one of the first to use a unit of handpicked soldiers for his protection. His heirIB Tauris, Octavian (later Augustus2013) and his bitter rival Mark Anthony both had personal bodyguards. When Augustus became , p 118</ref> They were the sole ruler of only army unit allowed to bear arms in Rome and its Empire, he created three cohorts but out of guardsrespect to Republican sensibilities, they never wore armor in the city’s precincts. The Guards were divided into some cohorts that became known as the Praetorian Guardnumbered several hundred men typically. The various cohorts were composed of infantry and cavalry. One was stationed in Rome to protect For the Emperorfirst few centuries, they were mainly recruited from central Italy, along with his German bodyguard and two many were located throughout Italy able to maintain ordersecure admission because of family or political connections. <ref>Bingham, p 119</ref>

Initially Over time more and more experienced legionnaires joined the guards Guards. The Praetorians were tightly controlled by the first Emperor, however organized under his heir Tiberiusa Praetorian Prefect, who became a vital military and political figure. The Prefect was eventually to command not only the guard but the Praetorians became very influentialurban militia of Rome. Under The individual cohorts were under the command of the ambitious and scheming Sejanus, they were all concentrated in Rome and he built a base for them tribune. Those who served in the city <ref> Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial RomeGuards had better pay, xconditions, iv</ref>and a shorter service than regular legionnaires. This meant that the Praetorians They were the dominant power in Rome and this continued after the fall usually members of Sejanus after his plot to become Emperor failed. Under the insane and bloody CaligulaEquestrian Order, which meant that they became very influential in Romewere from a high social class until 195 A. Indeed, one of the tribunes of D when Septimius Severus reformed the Guard assassinated Caligula after being insulted by the mad-Emperor. The guards after the assassination of the Emperor selected Claudius as the supreme leader of the Roman World, and he handsomely rewarded the Praetorians <ref> Tacitus, xiBingham, vp 201</ref>The Guards were seen as a great way to advance the career of the ambitious, and its members had a great deal of social prestige.

By this stage, ==Why was the Guards had become a real power in Rome, and Claudius even issued coins bearing the symbol of the Imperial Bodyguard, indicating their influence at this timePraetorian Guard created?==[[File: Praetorian Guard Three. jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|The Guards later conspired against Nero, who upon hearing that he had lost their support decided to commit suicide, believing that all was lost. During the Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD), they installed and deposed Galba as Emperor and sold the Imperial diadem to Otho <ref> Suetonius. Life Battle of Otho, vi</ref>. Vitellius upon seizing Rome temporarily curbed the power of the Imperial Bodyguard. However, when Emperor Domitian (97 AD) began to act brutally and unpredictably, he was assassinated, and the Imperial bodyguard was implicated in his death<ref>Suetonius, Life of Domitian, vi</ref>. Milvian Bridge]]

For a century During the Roman Republic decline, the various generals who competed for power and influence often created their bodyguards. The name Praetorian Guard were controlled by a series - comes from the Latin for General’s tent. Julius Caesar was one of strong rulers, especially during the reigns first to use a unit of the ‘five good emperors’ <ref> Bingham, p. 234</ref>handpicked soldiers for his protection. HoweverHis heir, Emperor Caracalla indulged the Praetorian GuardOctavian (later Augustus), and they recovered much of their powerhis bitter rival Mark Anthony had personal bodyguards. When he was assassinated in a Palace conspiracy, they brutally dominated the city. In 193, Augustus became the Guard auctioned sole ruler of the Imperial office after killing Pertinax, who attempted to curb their power Rome and limit their privileges<ref>Bingham, p 213</ref>. Septimius Severusits Empire, after he created three cohorts of guards that became known as the Praetorian Guard. One was stationed in Rome to protect the Emperor, reformed the Praetorians his German bodyguard, and he ended the traditional Italian and Equestrian domination of the Imperial guardtwo were located throughout Italy to maintain order.

By 230 AD the Empire fell into an existential crisisInitially, this is the period known as guards were tightly controlled by the ‘Third Century Crisis’ <ref>Binghamfirst Emperor, however under his heir Tiberius, pthe Praetorians became very influential. 278</ref>. This was a period when a series Under the command of solder-emperors fought for the Empireambitious and scheming Sejanus, and the Roman World fell into anarchy and economic declinethey were all concentrated in Rome. During this time a Praetorian Prefect, Macrinus, He built a Thracian giant, became Emperor base for a year, before being killed them in the city.<ref>Gibbon, EdwardsTacitus, The Decline and Fall Annals of the Roman Empire (London, Penguin BooksImperial Rome, 1985)x, p 245iv</ref>This meant that the Praetorians were the dominant power in Rome, and this continued after the fall of Sejanus after his plot to become Emperor failed. A series of energetic generals ended Under the anarchy, insane and from Diocletian onwardsbloody Caligula, they became very influential in Rome was no longer . Indeed, one of the center tribunes of the Roman World. He used his soldiers as his bodyguards, and Guard assassinated Caligula after being insulted by the Praetorians were sidemad-linedEmperor. In 303 A.D, when Constantine invaded Italy, After the Praetorians backed his rival. At the Battle of Milvian BridgeEmperor's assassination, the Guards were almost annihilated. The surviving guardsmen were sent to guards selected Claudius as the frontiers supreme leader of the Imperial territory Roman World, and their barracks was demolished on he handsomely rewarded the orders of ConstantinePraetorians. <ref> Tacitus, xi, v</ref>

====By this stage, the Guards had become a real power in Rome, and Claudius even issued coins bearing the symbol of the Imperial Bodyguard, indicating their influence at this time. The Guards later conspired against Nero, who, upon hearing that he had lost their support, decided to commit suicide, believing that all was lost. During the Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD), they installed and deposed Galba as Emperor and sold the Imperial diadem to Otho.<ref> Suetonius. Life of Otho, vi</ref> Vitellius, upon seizing Rome, curbed the power of the Imperial Bodyguard. However, when Emperor Domitian (97 AD) began to act brutally and unpredictably, he was assassinated, and the Imperial bodyguard was implicated in his death.<ref> Suetonius, Life of Domitian, vi</ref>  For a century, the Praetorian GuardsGuard was controlled by a series of strong rulers, especially during the reigns of the ‘five good emperors.’<ref> Bingham, p. 234</ref> However, Emperor Caracalla indulged the Praetorian Guard, and they recovered much of their power. When he was assassinated in a Palace conspiracy, the Praetorians took over and brutalized the city. In 193, the Guard auctioned off the Imperial office after killing Pertinax, who attempted to curb their power and limit their privileges.<ref>Bingham, p 213</ref> Septimius Severus, after he became Emperor, reformed the Praetorians, and he ended the traditional Italian and Equestrian domination of the Imperial guard.  By 230 AD, the Empire fell into an existential crisis. This is the period known as the ‘Third Century Crisis.’<ref>Bingham, p. 278</ref> This was when a series of solder- poweremperors fought for the Empire, and the Roman World fell into anarchy and economic decline. During this time, a Praetorian Prefect, Macrinus, a Thracian giant, became Emperor for a year before being killed.<ref>Gibbon, Edward, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (London, Penguin Books, 1985), p 245</ref> A series of energetic generals ended the anarchy, and from Diocletian onwards, Rome was no longer the center of the Roman World. He used his soldiers as his bodyguards, and the Praetorians were side-brokerslined. In 303 A.D, when Constantine invaded Italy, the Praetorians backed his rival. At the Battle of Milvian Bridge, the Guards were almost annihilated. The surviving guardsmen were sent to the frontiers of the Imperial territory, and their barracks were demolished on the orders of Constantine. ==What was the role of the Praetorian Guards in Roman politics?==

The Praetorian Guards were usually the only significant military unit in Rome , if not Italy. There was an urban militia (vigiles), and the German bodyguard of the Emperor, however. However, the Guards were by far the most formidable military force in the capital. This and their unique access to the Emperor meant that they were in a position able to intervene in Imperial affairs. The Emperor came to depend on the Guard for his safety , and over time the Imperial bodyguard began to become ‘conscious of their power’ power.’<ref>Bingham, p . 167</ref>. The ruler of the Roman World was at their mercy if they acted in unison and decisively. They The Guards were instrumental in the deposition of countless Emperors ; the exact number is unknown.

The Praetorians because of their proximity to the absolute ruler of the known world knew that his power was depended on deference and the unthinking obedience of the population. The Imperial Bodyguard, under Prefects such as Sejanus, recognized that ultimately power depended on brute force and that they had a monopoly on violence in Rome. As a result, the Imperial Guard played a huge role in the history of the Empire. They had the ability, which the Senate did not have of making and unmaking the absolute ruler of the Roman world. It should be remembered that the guards could only depose Emperors who were weak or during times of crisis. For the majority of their existence, strong rulers controlled the elite bodyguard. There are long periods in the 2nd century, for example, when the bodyguard is not mentioned in the sources, because they were tightly controlled by rulers, such as Hadrian <ref>Bingham, p 178<dh-ad/ref>.

====Military role Because of their proximity to the Praetorian Guards====The Imperial guard was a formation absolute ruler of the armyknown world, the Praetorians knew that his power depended on deference and Emperors often deployed them in the fieldunthinking obedience of the population. The Praetorian cohorts often accompanied Emperors on the campaignImperial Bodyguard, where they protected their sovereign. For exampleunder Prefects such as Sejanus, they accompanied Trajan recognized that ultimately power depended on his campaign in Dacia, brute force and this is memorialized that they had a monopoly on the Arch of Trajan violence in Rome. It was not uncommon for As a result, the Imperial Bodyguard to take part Guard played a considerable role in the battle history of the Empire. They had the ability, which the Senate did not have, of making and they unmaking the Roman world's absolute ruler. The guards only deposed Emperors who were regarded as an weak or during times of crisis. For the majority of their existence, strong rulers controlled the elite unitbodyguard. There are long periods in the 2nd century, for example, who was often used when the outcome of a battle was uncertain. On one occasion they accompanied Germanicus as he quelled a great mutiny among the legions on bodyguard is not mentioned in the Rhinesources, who because they were threatening the new Emperor Tiberiustightly controlled by rulers, such as Hadrian. They helped Germanicus to persuade the legionnaires to return to their camps and restore discipline <ref> TacitusBingham, x, v p 178</ref>. For many Emperors, they were seen as the last line of defense against a mutinous army or the legions of a rival.

====Security and other roles in Rome==Was the Praetorian Guard part of the Roman Military? ==The Praetorians as the main military force in Rome were required to carry out Imperial guard was a wide range of duties. Despite the sophistication formation of the Roman statearmy, it had no police force or many of the other organizations that modern society takes for granted. The Imperial Body Guard played a crucial role and Emperors often deployed them in the policing of Rome. The city was a vast and diverse metropolis, and much of it was lawless and ruled by gangsfield. The Praetorian Guards were cohorts often accompanied Emperors on the only force that was able to police the citycampaign, where they protected their sovereign. They did this was a great effect For example, and they helped to ensure stability accompanied Trajan on his campaign in the sprawling city Dacia, which is memorialized on the Tiber. Marcus Aurelius, for example, used cohorts Arch of the Guards to police the city, during his many long absences on campaigns against Germanic tribesTrajan in Rome. They also appear to have been used It was not uncommon for crowd control during the Games. Many Emperors appeared to have used the Imperial Bodyguard as a secret police force. There are accounts of guardsmen being employed to spy on real and imagined conspiratorstake part in the battle, and they appear to have been were regarded as an elite unit, who was often used to intimidate those who threatened when the position outcome of an Emperora battle was uncertain.

The Praetorians appear to have been used not only to guard On one occasion, they accompanied Germanicus as he quelled a great mutiny among the Emperor but also maintained their authority in legions on the capital<ref> BinghamRhine, p 117</ref>. There are claims that the guards would often secretly assassinate those who were believed to be a threat to threatening the new EmperorTiberius. It seems that They helped Germanicus to persuade the Imperial Guardsmen were flexible legionnaires to return to their camps and used in emergencies. The elite unit was often used as firefighters, alongside the urban militiarestore discipline. For example, Praetorian Guards fought a fire that threatened the Temple of Vesta in the great conflagration that engulfed the city on the Tiber, during the reign of Nero <ref> Tacitus, xi x, v </ref>For many Emperors, they were seen as the last line of defense against a mutinous army or the legions of a rival.

====Did the Praetorian Guards serve as police in the Provinces==Rome?==While As the Imperial Bodyguard was mainly stationed main military force in Rome, it was not uncommon for Praetorian officers the Praetorians were required to be located elsewhere in Italycarry out a wide range of duties. The Praetorian Prefect was important in Despite the government Roman state's sophistication, it had no police force or any of Italy. There is evidence the other organizations that Praetorians could be stationed throughout Italymodern society takes for granted. The Imperial Bodyguards often administered areas and urban centers Body Guard played a crucial role in Italy. For example, the graves policing of Praetorians have been found in Pompeii, where they were presumably involved in local affairsRome. It The city was believed that Praetorians had a role in collecting taxes vast and maintaining law diverse metropolis, and order. They would, presumably, ensure that the orders much of the Emperor were enforced at the local levelit was lawless and ruled by gangs. It is believed that Praetorians The Praetorian Guards were employed to arbitrate in local land disputes between communities, which often threatened to flare up into open violence <ref>Kelpie, p 116</ref>. It also appears that they were involved in the collection of taxes. The exact role of the Praetorian in the Italian provinces is unknown, but it appears only force that they played an important role in was able to police the administration of Italycity.

They did this was a great effect, and they helped to ensure stability in the sprawling city on the Tiber. Marcus Aurelius, for example, used cohorts of the Guards to police the city during his many long absences on campaigns against Germanic tribes. They also appear to have been used for crowd control during the Games. Many Emperors appeared to have used the Imperial Bodyguard as a secret police force. There are accounts of guardsmen being employed to spy on real and imagined conspirators. They appear to have been used to intimidate those who threatened the position of an Emperor.  The Praetorians appear to have been used to guard the Emperor and maintained their authority in the capital.<ref> Bingham, p 117</ref> There are claims that the guards would often secretly assassinate those believed to be a threat to the Emperor. It seems that the Imperial Guardsmen were flexible and used in emergencies. The elite unit was often used as firefighters alongside the urban militia. For example, Praetorian Guards fought a fire that threatened the Temple of Vesta in the great conflagration that engulfed the city on the Tiber during Nero's reign. <ref> Tacitus, xi x</ref> ==Did Praetorian Guards serve outside of Rome?==ConclusionWhile the Imperial Bodyguard was mainly stationed in Rome, it was not uncommon for Praetorian officers to be located elsewhere in Italy. The Praetorian Prefect was important in the government of Italy. There is evidence that Praetorians could be stationed throughout Italy. Imperial Bodyguards often administered areas and urban centers in Italy. For example, the graves of Praetorians have been found in Pompeii, where they were presumably involved in local affairs. It was believed that Praetorians had a role in collecting taxes and maintaining law and order. They would, presumably, ensure that the orders of the Emperor were enforced at the local level. It is believed that Praetorians were employed to arbitrate in local land disputes between communities, which often threatened to flare up into open violence.<ref>Kelpie, p 116</ref> It also appears that they were involved in collecting taxes. The exact role of the Praetorian in the Italian provinces is unknown, but it appears that they played an important role in the administration of Italy. ==How important were the Praetorian Guard?==The Praetorian Guards were an important institution in the history of Imperial Rome. They were used to guard the Emperor and to protect his person and his family. This was a critical task in any autocracy such as the Roman Empire. However, they were in a privileged position to decide determine if an emperor who had lost support or who was acting tyrannically should stay in power. It is important to note that the Praetorian Guards never ousted a strong Emperor. The , but the Imperial bodyguard was often a destabilizing factor in Imperial politics.  Additionally, and they helped to precipitate periods of war and political violence, such as the Year of the Five Emperors (195 AD). However, they were not only power-brokers . Still, they also played a critical role in the administration of Rome and the Italian provinces. The Praetorian Guard alternated, in its three hundred years , from being a group that helped to stabilize the Empire to a body that destabilized Rome.

B. Rankov, . <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1855323613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1855323613&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=4190088820573d53ed1486d0e216d27a The Praetorian Guard ]</i> (London, Penguin, 1994). de la Bédoyère, Guy (2017). [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300218958/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0300218958&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=fbd0bcb4ee0273c4b3097ea71409506d <i>Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard</i>]. (Yale University Press, 2017)

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SmithCollins, RA. EW. "The Army Reforms Casperius Aelianus, Trajan and the Mutiny of Septimius Severus97 AD." Historia: Zeitschrift Für Alte Geschichte 21, no. 3 <i>Acta Classica</i> 56 (19722013): 48155-50061.