The cohortes urbanae (urban cohorts) were a body of troops garrisoned at Rome, which was created by Augustus to provide additional security for the emperor and city in general. Expanding in the reigns of subsequent emperors the force was responsible for maintaining public order in the capital and other cities they were stationed at. Effectively acting as a police force it was also occasionally employed in battles and even involved itself in the succession of emperors.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 13 CEAugustus creates the cohortes urbanae in Rome to help maintain public order.
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270 CEThe cohortes urbanae in Rome is given its own camp, the castra Urbana.
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312 CEConstantine I reduces the cohortes urbanae of Rome.
