Pretorian guard

In Ancient Rome, the Imperial Praetorian Guard or Praetorian Guard were a unit of the Imperial Roman Army formed of elite soldiers initially recruited in Italy. These units originated from the small group of men around the republican magistrates, known under the designation of praetor, and also originated from around roman legion camps where the legion commandant's main tent (Latin: Prætorium) garrisoned when engaged in battle campaigns.

They were first, hand-picked veterans of the Roman Army in charge of providing close protection security details to the Emperor and accompanied him on active campaign. They also served as secret police protecting the civic administrations and rule of law imposed by the Senate and the Emperor. The title designation was already used during the Roman Republic for the guards of Roman generals since the rise to prominence of the Scipio family around year 275 BC. The Imperial Guard was dissolved by Emperor Constantine I in the 4th century. They were distinct from the Imperial Germanic bodyguard which provided close personal protection for the late Western Roman emperors.

During the Roman Republic, there was no permanent guard charged with the protection of military general officers. However, certain military officers chose to surround themselves with guards to ensure their security, giving birth to the first Praetorian Cohorts. In the event of battle, these cohorts would intervene as a final standing reserve. The consuls were ordinarily protected by the lictors, who would remain around their tents in the army.

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