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The '''Praetorian guard''' were the personal bodyguard of the emperors of [[Rome]].  While no miltiary forces were allowed south of the [[Rubicon]] river, in other words in [[Italy]] itself, the guard was a way to get around this.  Starting with the very first emperor [[Augustus]], the size of the guard grew from 5000 to 10000 men.

The '''Praetorian guard''' were the personal bodyguard of the emperors of [[Rome]].  While no military forces were allowed south of the [[Rubicon]] river, in other words in [[Italy]] itself, the guard was a way to get around this.  Starting with the very first emperor [[Augustus]], the size of the guard grew from 5000 to 10000 men.

While they had no direct say in the government, they held great sway at different times in the history of the empire due to being the only military body near the emperor.  It was partly through a coup of part of the guard that the third emperor of Rome, [[Caligula]] was assassinated.  They then showed their power by declaring [[Claudius]] as the fourth emperor of Rome, a proclamation that proved to become reality as he reigned for 13 years.  They deserted [[Nero]] to the Roman mobs and during the anarchy that followed, first supported [[Galba]] for emperor, then turned on him and supported [[Otho]].  They were not above bribes and supporting the highest bidder.  It was expected an increase in pay or a bonus would be given for any candidate they successfully supported for Emperor.

While they had no direct say in the government, they held great sway at different times in the history of the empire due to being the only military body near the emperor.  It was through a coup of a portion of the guard that the third emperor of Rome, [[Caligula]] was assassinated.  They then showed their power by declaring [[Claudius]] as the fourth emperor of Rome, a proclamation that proved to become reality as he reigned for 13 years.  They deserted [[Nero]] to the Roman mobs and during the anarchy that followed, first supported [[Galba]] for emperor, then turned on him and supported [[Otho]].  They were not above bribes and supporting the highest bidder.  It was expected an increase in pay or a bonus would be given for any candidate they successfully supported for Emperor.

Over the years their power and position varied.  Some emperors disbanded them and replaced them with totally different men.  The last Emperor to have a Praetorian guard was [[Constantine]], who disbanded the group in the early 300's when changing political realities made them unnecessary.

Over the years their power and position varied.  Some emperors disbanded them and replaced them with totally different men.  The last Emperor to have a Praetorian guard was [[Constantine]], who disbanded the group in the early 300's when changing political realities made them unnecessary.

[[category:Ancient Rome]]

[[category:Ancient Rome]]