Episode Summary: Gladiators: The Praetorian Guard
In this episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, historian Dan Snow delves into the intricate history of the Praetorian Guard, exploring their origins, evolution, and profound impact on the political landscape of ancient Rome. Joined by guest Dr. Simon Elliot, the discussion uncovers how these elite soldiers transitioned from the emperor's personal bodyguard to pivotal power brokers capable of shaping the destiny of the Roman Empire.
Introduction
The Praetorian Guard is often romanticized as the elite force of ancient Rome, akin to the mythical gladiators. However, their role extended far beyond mere protection, becoming central figures in the intricate power dynamics of the empire.
Origins of the Praetorian Guard
Formation by Augustus
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Augustus' Vision: The Praetorian Guard was established by Emperor Augustus around 27 BC as a personal bodyguard unit to secure his newfound power and protect the empire's stability.
"So the Praetorian Guard was created by Augustus, the first emperor, around 27 BC, to serve as his personal bodyguard and to secure his reign."
— Dan Snow [06:16]
Legal Privileges and Unique Position
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Exclusive Rights: Unlike other soldiers, the Praetorians were legally permitted to bear arms within the city of Rome, granting them unprecedented access to the corridors of power and the emperor himself.
"Augustus created a new force which legally was allowed to carry weapons. When they were on the Palatine Hill defending him and his wife Livia, that was the Praetorian Guard."
— Dan Snow [07:33]
The Praetorian Guard under the Julio-Claudian Dynasty
Early Stability and the Emperor's Reflection
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Dependence on Leadership: The effectiveness and loyalty of the Praetorian Guard were heavily influenced by the character of the reigning emperor. Strong, militaristic leaders like Septimius Severus commanded a loyal and elite guard, while weaker emperors saw the guard's integrity wane.
"They really reflected the Emperor. Whether they're good at fighting or not, they are the Praetorian Guard for the not real deal emperors, Domitian, Commodus, they fail because they reflect the emperor."
— Dan Snow [10:19]
Assassinations and Power Plays
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Instrument of Assassination: The Praetorian Guard frequently became entangled in political assassinations, often siding with or instigating the downfall of emperors who failed to maintain their favor or provide adequate rewards.
"The Praetorian Guard could have saved him and didn't."
— Dan Snow [19:05]
The Year of the Five Emperors and the Auction of the Empire
Pertinax and the Auction
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Assassination of Pertinax: Pertinax, the emperor for a mere three months, was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard after refusing their requests for financial incentives.
"At the end of March, they kill him. Right. So he's assassinated by the Praetorian Guard."
— Dan Snow [27:41] -
Auctioning the Throne: Following Pertinax's death, the Praetorian Guard famously auctioned off the imperial title to the highest bidder, resulting in Didius Julianus briefly ascending to power before being overthrown.
"Anyone who fights being emperor, just it goes to the highest bidder."
— Dan Snow [28:55]
Septimius Severus' Reforms
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Restoring Order: Septimius Severus responded to the instability by disbanding the existing Praetorian Guard for fear of their corruption and recruiting a new, elite force to ensure loyalty and military prowess.
"Severus... disbanded them and then recreated it twice the size, 10,000 men with his Danubian veterans."
— Dan Snow [28:05]
The Crisis of the Third Century and Decline
Continuous Usurpations
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Endless Succession: The third century saw a rapid succession of emperors, many of whom were either installed or removed by the Praetorian Guard, leading to political fragmentation and instability.
"Emperor after emperor after emperor... the Guard could have saved him, but didn't."
— Dan Snow [31:31]
Comparison to Modern Elite Forces
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Napoleon's Old Guard: The Praetorian Guard is likened to Napoleon's Imperial Guard, serving as both an elite reserve and a potential threat to the ruler's power.
"They’re like Napoleon's Old Guard. So they’re the ultimate elite reserve... exactly what the Praetorian Guard was like."
— Dan Snow [22:16]
Abolition by Constantine
Constantine's Strategic Move
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Ending the Era: Recognizing the Praetorian Guard's destabilizing influence, Emperor Constantine abolished the Guard in 312 AD, replacing them with his own loyal units to prevent future military interference in imperial succession.
"Constantine made a very wise decision... he can't trust them and gets rid of them."
— Dan Snow [31:31]
Legacy and Impact
- End of an Era: The disbandment of the Praetorian Guard marked the end of their pivotal role in Roman politics, transitioning the empire towards a more stable, albeit still militarized, structure.
Conclusion
The Praetorian Guard exemplifies the delicate balance between military power and political stability. Initially established to protect the emperor, their evolving role as kingmakers and power brokers ultimately contributed to the instability and eventual decline of the Roman Empire. This episode sheds light on how a single military unit can profoundly influence the course of history, serving both as a shield and a sword for those at the pinnacle of power.
"Praetorian Guard by definition they're dangerous because nobody else can carry weapons apart from the Praetorians... they are dangerous."
— Dan Snow [19:38]
"It's an endless cycle. If you're a successful warrior emperor, the Guard tend to support you. If you're not, you're either bribed or dead."
— Dan Snow [25:34]
Notable Quotes
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On the Dual Nature of the Guard:
"They’re often getting rid of the emperor or making themselves emperor."
— Dan Snow [14:20] -
On Their Political Influence:
"One of the members of his close council is the Praetorian Prefects... it's like Game of Thrones."
— Dan Snow [12:27] -
On Their Financial Power:
"When an emperor comes to power, he gives the Praetorians loads of money to keep him in power."
— Dan Snow [23:18]
Final Thoughts
The episode underscores the Praetorian Guard's transformation from loyal protectors to influential political players whose actions could determine the fate of emperors and, by extension, the Roman Empire. Their legacy serves as a historical lesson on the potential perils of concentrated military power within governance structures.