pretorian

Pretorian, also known as Pretorian guard was a corps of elite soldiers that served as the imperial bodyguards of the Roman Empire. They originated in Rome during the 2nd century AD and were known for their loyalty and bravery in battle. The corps was created by Emperor Septimius Severus in 193 AD to protect him against rival claimants to the throne.

Pretorian soldiers were often handpicked from the ranks of skilled and capable legionnaires. They were responsible for guarding the emperor, patrolling the city, and maintaining order in Rome. In addition to their military duties, pretorians also served as a testimonials of the emperor's power and prestige.

The pretorian corps was infamous for its large salaries and generous benefices, which often led to tensions with the common population. Pretorians were also known for their aggressive and sometimes brutal behavior, particularly in dealings with other Roman soldiers. This behavior contributed to the corps' notoriety and ultimately led to its downfall.

During the tumultuous Later Roman Empire period, the pretorian corps became a significant power broker in Roman politics. Emperors would often be murdered by their own pretorian guards, who would then install their own preferred candidate on the throne. This led to a cycle of instability and the end of several emperors.

The pretorian corps declined in importance during the 4th century AD, eventually being abolished by Emperor Constantine in 312. Despite its notoriety, the pretorian corps played an important role in Roman history, serving as both guardians of the emperor and symbols of imperial power.