Praetorian Guard: Rome’s Elite Protectors Who Became Kingmakers and Killers | Moments in History скачать в хорошем качестве

Praetorian Guard: Rome’s Elite Protectors Who Became Kingmakers and Killers | Moments in History

The Praetorian Guard was one of the most elite and influential military units of the Roman Empire, serving as both the personal bodyguards of the emperor and a powerful political force. Established during the late Republic and formalized under Emperor Augustus in 27 BCE, the Guard was composed of highly trained, handpicked soldiers who enjoyed elevated status, higher pay, and exceptional privileges compared to regular legionaries. Stationed primarily in Rome, they protected the imperial palace, accompanied the emperor on military campaigns, and ensured security within the capital. Beyond their protective duties, the Praetorian Guard became deeply entwined with imperial politics. Their proximity to the emperor gave them unprecedented influence, and over time they evolved into kingmakers. They played decisive roles in assassinations, successions, and coups. Notably, the Guard murdered Caligula, forced Emperor Nero to flee, and even auctioned the imperial throne to the highest bidder—Didius Julianus—in 193 CE. Their power often made emperors wary, leading some rulers to bribe, reform, or purge the Guard to maintain control. Despite controversies, the Praetorian Guard also demonstrated elite discipline and military skill, participating in significant campaigns and ensuring stability within the empire. Their dominance came to an end in 312 CE when Constantine the Great, after defeating Maxentius—whose power relied heavily on the Guard—disbanded the unit and destroyed their barracks, the Castra Praetoria. The legacy of the Praetorian Guard endures as a symbol of loyalty, ambition, and the delicate balance between military protection and political power in ancient Rome. ------------------------------------------------------ #MomentsInHistory #worldhistory #history #ancienthistory #contemporaryhistory #historyfacts #historydocumentary #historychannel #historyexplained #historymystery #historylovers #historytreasure #historyfamous #praetorianguard Copyright © 2025 Gerry de Cadiz. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) License. You may copy, share, and adapt this design for educational and entertainment purposes only, provided proper credit is given and it is not used for commercial gain.