The Praetorian Guard was a significant force in the history of Rome, shaping the fates of many emperors and, by extension, the empire itself. Originally formed by Augustus as a personal bodyguard unit, the Guard quickly evolved into a powerful political entity. While its primary function was to protect the emperor, the Guard often prioritized its own interests, resulting in the assassination of several rulers.

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The Guard’s influence became apparent under Emperor Tiberius when the ambitious prefect Sejanus effectively controlled the empire. Sejanus, wielding immense power, orchestrated purges of potential rivals and even allegedly poisoned Tiberius's son to consolidate his authority. However, Sejanus's unchecked power led to his downfall when Tiberius eventually ordered his execution, a stark reminder of the Guard’s capacity for both protection and treachery.

As Rome transitioned from the Republic to the Empire, the Praetorian Guard’s role expanded beyond mere protection. They played a pivotal role in political machinations, notably assassinating Emperor Caligula and installing Claudius as his successor. While Claudius turned out to be a competent ruler, this marked the beginning of a dangerous precedent: the Guard had the power to make or break emperors, a trend that would continue to impact the course of Roman history.

Top image: AI generated image representing Praetorian Guard.  Source: Brandon/Adobe Stock

By Robbie Mitchell