Praetorian

A riveting account of ancient Rome’s imperial bodyguard, the select band of soldiers who wielded the power to make—or destroy—the emperors they served

Founded by Augustus around 27 B.C., the elite Praetorian Guard was tasked with the protection of the emperor and his family. As the centuries unfolded, however, Praetorian soldiers served not only as protectors and enforcers but also as powerful political players. Fiercely loyal to some emperors, they vied with others and ruthlessly toppled those who displeased them, including Caligula, Nero, Pertinax, and many more. Guy de la Bédoyère provides a compelling first full narrative history of the Praetorians, whose dangerous ambitions ceased only when Constantine permanently disbanded them.

de la Bédoyère introduces Praetorians of all echelons, from prefects and messengers to artillery experts and executioners. He explores the delicate position of emperors for whom prestige and guile were the only defenses against bodyguards hungry for power. Folding fascinating details into a broad assessment of the Praetorian era, the author sheds new light on the wielding of power in the greatest of the ancient world’s empires.

O relatare captivanta a garzii imperiale a Romei antice, trupa selecta de soldati care detinea puterea de a face - sau de a distruge - imparatii pe care ii serveau Infiintata de Augustus in jurul anului 27 i.Hr., Garda de Pretorian de elita a fost insarcinata cu protectia imparatului si a familiei sale. Totusi, pe masura ce s-au desfasurat secolele, soldatii pretorieni au servit nu numai ca ocrotitori si executori, ci si ca actori politici puternici.