The Praetorian Guard of the Roman Emperors

Paper Summary:

Examines the Guard's power as the only military force in the Capital city. Issues of loyalty & disloyalty to various Emperors. Evolution of the Guard under the Julio-Claudian Emperors up to the death of Nero. Problems presented by armies, citizen militias. History of the Roman Army. Organization & mission of the Guard. Emperors Agustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero.

From the Paper:

"Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
The Praetorian Guard under the Julio-Claudians


The Praetorian Guard, the personal guard force of the Roman emperors, has become a byword for the ability of a bodyguard to control, and ultimately to elevate or depose, the person whom it is supposed to guard. By the nature of its situation throughout the early and middle eras of the empire -- as the only military force in near the capital of an empire most of whose armies were dispersed among the frontiers -- it had the potential to control its imperial masters. Against a conspiracy or riot an Emperor could call upon the Praetorian Guard, but if the Guard itself..."

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