The Praetorian Guard was central to the politics and government of Imperial Rome for approximately 300 years. This military unit was unique and exercised power and influence in Rome. They were the guardians of the emperors but they also had the power to eliminate weak emperors and became important agents of power in the Empire.

The Praetorian Guards were an elite unit in the Imperial Army, and their function was to protect the person of the Emperor.They were the only army unit authorized to bear arms in Rome, but out of respect for republican sensibilities, they never wore armor in the precincts. from the city. The guards were divided into a few cohorts, usually numbering several hundred men. The different cohorts were made up of infantry and cavalry. During the first centuries, they were recruited mainly from central Italy, and many were able to secure admission due to family or political connections.