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Army of the Roman Emperors

Robert Reed

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Published in M C Bishop

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The Praetorian Guard was the elite guard of the Roman Emperors. They were responsible for protecting the emperor and his family, and they played a key role in Roman politics. This book tells the story of the Praetorian Guard, from their origins in the early Roman Republic to their eventual downfall in the 3rd century AD.

Army of the Roman Emperors

by M.C. Bishop

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	125459 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	440 pages

The Praetorian Guard was founded by Augustus Caesar in 27 BC. Augustus had just emerged victorious from a civil war, and he needed a loyal and reliable force to protect him from his enemies. The Praetorian Guard was composed of 9 cohorts, each with 500 men. The cohorts were commanded by tribunes, who were appointed by the emperor.

The Praetorian Guard was stationed in Rome, and they accompanied the emperor on all of his travels. They were responsible for guarding the imperial palace, and they also served as bodyguards for the emperor and his family. The Praetorian Guard was a highly trained and disciplined force, and they were feared by both the emperor's enemies and the Roman people.

The Praetorian Guard played a key role in Roman politics. They were often used to intimidate the Senate and to suppress popular uprisings. The Praetorian Guard also played a role in the succession of emperors. On several occasions, the Praetorian Guard assassinated an emperor and installed a new one in his place.

The Praetorian Guard's power and influence reached its peak in the 2nd century AD. During this time, the Praetorian Guard became increasingly involved in politics. They often sold their support to the highest bidder, and they played a role in several civil wars.

The Praetorian Guard's downfall began in the 3rd century AD. The empire was in a state of decline, and the Praetorian Guard became increasingly corrupt and undisciplined. In 238 AD, the Praetorian Guard assassinated the emperor Alexander Severus and installed Maximinus Thrax in his place. Maximinus Thrax was a brutal and unpopular emperor, and his reign was marked by chaos and violence.

In 284 AD, the emperor Diocletian disbanded the Praetorian Guard. Diocletian realized that the Praetorian Guard had become a threat to the empire, and he created a new guard force to replace them. The Praetorian Guard was never reestablished, and it faded into history.

The Praetorian Guard was a fascinating and complex organization. They were both the protectors of the emperor and a threat to the empire. Their story is a reminder of the power and danger of unchecked power.

Army of the Roman Emperors

by M.C. Bishop

4.6 out of 5