Praetorians

Praetorians , bodyguard of the ancient Roman emperors. Growing out of an early troop that served as bodyguard to the general commanding in Rome, they were formally organized in the time of Augustus. The number of cohorts (from 500 to 1,000 men each) forming the guard varied, but in the days of the later empire it was 10. The Praetorians under a prefect attended the emperor wherever he went. They had special privileges and, in the period when the empire declined, held almost unchallenged authority. Constantine I disbanded them in 312.

praetorian Originally a bodyguard for a Roman general or ‘praetor’. In 27 BC AUGUSTUS established nine cohorts of such troops in and near Rome. They were an élite, better paid than legionaries, serving shorter engagements and with many privileges. They also became ‘king makers’ since their support was essential for gaining high political office. At least four prefects became emperor before CONSTANTINE abolished them early in the 4th century.

prae·to·ri·an / prēˈtôrēən/ (also pre·to·ri·an) • adj. Roman Hist. of or having the powers of a praetor. • n. a man of praetorian rank.