The Praetorian Guard (cohortes praetoriae) was, in the Roman Republic, a commander's personal bodyguard and then, in the imperial period, an elite force assigned to protect the emperor and Rome. Over the years, the guard would become a dangerous threat to imperial power and emperors were forced to gain its favour in order to ensure their reign. In the 1st and 2nd century CE many an emperor was murdered with Praetorian Guard involvement, and once one of their number, Macrinus, was even declared emperor. The body specifically created to protect the emperor's person had become his greatest liability.
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Definition
Timeline
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27 BCEAugustus creates the Praetorian Guard.
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2 BCEAugustus appoints two Prefects (praefectus praetorio) to command the Praetorian Guard.
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5 CEThe term of service for the Praetorian Guard is extended from 12 to 16 years.
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14 CESejanus becomes the praefect of the Praetorian Guard.
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c. 23 CEThe castra praetoria, permanent camp of the Praetorian Guard, is built in Rome by Sejanus.
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31 CESejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard is tried and executed by the Roman Senate.
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41 CEThe Praetorian Guard assassinates Roman Emperor Caligula.
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193 CEThe Praetorian Gaurd assassinates Roman Emperor Pertinax.
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217 CEMacrinus, prefect of the Praetorian Guard, assassinates Caracalla and installs himself as emperor.
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312 CEConstantine I disbands the Praetorian Guard.
