15,697
edits
Changes
no edit summary
For most of their history, they were the loyal protectors of the leader of the Roman World. The Guards were also an important military unit who played a significant role in maintaining peace and security in Rome and throughout Italy. The guards also played a meaningful role in the administration and policing of the capital of the Empire and Italy.
Over time more and more experienced legionnaires joined the Guards. The Praetorians were organized under a Praetorian Prefect, who became a vital military and political figure. The Prefect was eventually to command not only the guard but the urban militia of Rome. The individual cohorts were under the command of a tribune. Those who served in the Guards had better pay, conditions , and a shorter service than regular legionnaires. They were usually members of the Equestrian Order, which meant that they were from a high social class until at least 195 A.D when Septimius Severus reformed the Guard.<ref> Bingham, p 201</ref> The Guards were seen as a great way to advance the career of the ambitious , and its members had a great deal of social prestige.
====Why was the Praetorian Guard created?====