Praetorian Guard

Definition

The Praetorian Guard was an elite unit of the Roman army that served as personal bodyguards to the emperors of Rome. Established by Augustus, this force played a critical role in the political landscape of the early Roman Empire, influencing succession and maintaining the security of the emperor. Their power often extended beyond mere protection, as they could sway political decisions and were involved in significant historical events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Praetorian Guard was officially created by Emperor Augustus around 27 BCE to provide personal security for himself and future emperors.
2. Initially composed of about 9 cohorts (roughly 5,400 soldiers), their numbers and influence grew over time, especially during times of instability.
3. The guard was known for its involvement in palace intrigues, often choosing or assassinating emperors based on their interests or dissatisfaction with leadership.
4. Their loyalty was sometimes questionable, leading to instances where they would switch allegiance between rival claimants to the throne.
5. The Praetorian Guard was ultimately disbanded by Emperor Constantine I in the early 4th century CE due to their growing power and influence, which had become a threat to imperial authority.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Praetorian Guard by Augustus impact the political stability of the early Roman Empire?
  • The establishment of the Praetorian Guard by Augustus was a strategic move aimed at securing his position and maintaining political stability within the newly formed empire. By having an elite force devoted to his protection, Augustus could effectively quell dissent and ensure loyalty among his supporters. However, this also set a precedent for future emperors, as the guard became a powerful entity that could influence succession and create instability through their involvement in political machinations.
• Analyze the role of the Praetorian Guard during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius and how they shaped imperial rule.
  • During the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, the Praetorian Guard played a crucial role in shaping imperial rule through their involvement in key political events. Under Tiberius, their power grew as they acted as enforcers of imperial will but also became embroiled in court intrigues. Caligula's erratic behavior led to tensions with the guard, culminating in plots against him that were orchestrated by his own protectors. Claudius relied on their loyalty to solidify his power after Caligula's assassination, demonstrating how pivotal the Praetorian Guard was in influencing the direction and stability of imperial governance.
• Evaluate how the actions of the Praetorian Guard contributed to both the rise and fall of various emperors throughout Roman history.
  • The actions of the Praetorian Guard had a profound impact on both the rise and fall of several emperors throughout Roman history. Their support was critical for emperors like Claudius, who depended on them for legitimacy following Caligula's assassination. Conversely, their dissatisfaction with emperors such as Nero led to revolts and ultimately contributed to his downfall. This duality highlights how their influence shaped imperial dynamics; while they could serve as protectors, they also acted as kingmakers or assassins, illustrating their significant role in Rome's tumultuous political landscape.

Related terms

Imperial Guard: A term that can refer to various elite military units assigned to protect a sovereign or emperor, including the Praetorian Guard in ancient Rome.

Augustus: The first emperor of Rome, whose reign marked the beginning of the Roman Empire and the establishment of the Praetorian Guard.

Coup d'état: A sudden overthrow of a government, which in the context of Rome, often involved the Praetorian Guard as they had the power to influence or execute such events.