Praetorian Guard

Lore & Background

The Praetorian Guard originated as bodyguards for Roman generals in the period of the Roman Republic (509–27 BC). The first historical record of the praetorians is as bodyguards for the Scipio family, ca. 275 BC. At the end of 40 BC, two of the three co-rulers of the Second Triumvirate, Octavian and Mark Antony, had Praetorian Guards. Octavian installed his praetorians within the pomerium, the religious and legal boundary of Rome; this was the first occasion when troops were permanently garrisoned in Rome proper. According to the historian Orosius, Octavian commanded five cohorts at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Later, as Augustus, the first Roman emperor (27 BC–AD 14), Octavian retained the Praetorians as his imperial bodyguard. Under the empire, the legionaries known as the Praetorian Guard were first hand-picked veterans of the Roman army. First established by Augustus, members of the Guard accompanied him on active campaign. They were distinct from the Imperial German Bodyguard which provided close personal protection for the early Roman emperors. Their mandatory service was shorter: 12 years with the Praetorians instead of 16 years in the legions starting year 13 BC, then carried to 16 to 20 years in year 5 BC according to Tacitus. Their pay was higher than that of a legionary. Under Nero, the pay of a Praetorian was three and a half times that of a legionary, augmented by prime additions of donativum granted by each new emperor. The Praetorians received substantially higher pay on a system known as sesquiplex stipendum, or by pay-and-a-half. So if the legionaries received 250 denarii, the guards received 375 per annum. Domitian and Septimius Severus increased the stipendum to 1,500 denarii per year, distributed in January, May and September. Feared and dreaded by the population and by the Roman Senate, the Praetorians received no sympathy from the Roman people. A famous poem by Juvenal recalls the nail left in his foot by the sandal of a Praetorian rushing by him.

Reader's Guide

The Praetorian Guard serves as the personal bodyguard unit for the Roman Emperor, operating directly under his command rather than the Senate or field legions. In the turbulent political landscape of the early Empire, they represent a concentrated force capable of shifting power dynamics through sheer presence and loyalty to their commander. Their primary goal is the physical safety of the Princeps, but this duty often intertwines with enforcing imperial will against rivals. Members are selected for their discipline and combat prowess, wearing distinctive armor that sets them apart from regular legionaries. Under the leadership of Prefect Sejanus during the later seasons, the Guard evolves into a political instrument used to intimidate opponents and secure succession plans. They stand at the center of conspiracies, often knowing more than they reveal about imperial deaths and transitions. Their role in the conflict is dual-edged: protectors of stability yet potential catalysts for chaos if their loyalty shifts. While outwardly serving Tiberius or Augustus, their true allegiance frequently lies with whoever commands them effectively.

Did You Know?

• The Praetorian Guard was ultimately dissolved by Emperor Constantine I in AD 312, who destroyed their barracks at the Castra Praetoria.
• Sejanus held the title of Praetorian prefect jointly with his father under Augustus, but became sole prefect in AD 15.