Praetorian Guard facts for kids
The Praetorian Guard was a special group of bodyguards for Roman Emperors. They were like the emperor's personal security team. The name "Praetorian" first came from the guards who protected important generals in the Roman Republic. Their leader, called the Praetorian Prefect, often had a lot of power and was involved in the political decisions in Rome. The Guard was eventually disbanded by Emperor Constantine I in the 300s AD.
The Praetorian Guard's Story
The word Praetorian comes from "praetorium," which was the tent of a commanding general in the Roman army. Many Roman generals liked to pick a small, strong group of soldiers to protect them personally. This special group of Roman citizens included both soldiers who fought on foot (called infantry) and soldiers who rode horses (called cavalry). Over time, this group became known as the cohors praetoria. Famous leaders like Julius Caesar and Augustus had their own cohors praetoria.
When Augustus became the first ruler of the Roman Empire in 27 BC, he realized that such a powerful guard was useful not just in battles but also in the world of politics. So, Augustus chose soldiers from different Roman legions across the provinces to form the official Praetorian Guard.
How the Guard Entered Politics
Thanks to their clever leader, Sejanus, the Praetorian Guard moved from their barracks in Italy right into Rome itself. In 23 AD, Sejanus convinced Emperor Tiberius to build a special fort for the Praetorians just outside Rome. One part of the Guard stood watch at the imperial palace every day. This meant the entire Guard was now very close to the emperors. However, it also meant the emperors were now somewhat dependent on the Praetorians.
This power became clear in 31 AD. Emperor Tiberius had to rely on his own Praetorian Guard to deal with people who supported Sejanus. Even though the Praetorian Guard stayed loyal to Tiberius, everyone saw how much political power they could have.
When fighting in wars, the Praetorians were just as good as any other part of the Roman Army. They were not used much in early reigns. But by 69 AD, they were very active in battles. Under emperors like Domitian and Trajan, the Guard fought in wars from Dacia to Mesopotamia. With Marcus Aurelius, they spent years fighting on the Danube border. Throughout the 200s AD, the Praetorians helped emperors in many different military campaigns.
The relationship between the Guard and their Emperor was always tricky. It was common for emperors to give gifts or money to the Guard to keep them happy. Sejanus almost took control of the Empire before Tiberius stopped him and had him executed. Several emperors were removed from power by the Guard, or with their knowledge. The first emperor to be removed this way was Caligula.
Images for kids
-
The Praetorians Relief with an aquila grasping a thunderbolt in reference to the Roman interpretatio graeca form of Jupiter.
-
Funeral inscription of Quintus Pomponius Poeninus, soldier of the IV Praetorian Cohort
See also
In Spanish: Guardia Pretoriana para niños
