Augustus and the Praetorian Guard: The Emperor's Elite Bodyguard

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna delve into the origins and early years of the Praetorian Guard under Augustus. They explore how Augustus transformed the republican-era bodyguard of generals into a permanent, elite force stationed in Rome and Italy. The conversation covers the guard's structure, recruitment from Italian veterans, and the command under the praefectus praetorio. They discuss the symbolic and practical roles of the guard, including their presence at the Ara Pacis procession. The episode also touches on early controversies, such as the plot of Varro Murena and the guard's loyalty. New listeners will learn about the guard's daily life in the Castra Praetoria and how Augustus balanced their power with other military forces like the cohortes urbanae and vigiles. #Augustus #PraetorianGuard #RomanEmpire #PraefectusPraetorio #CastraPraetoria #CohorsPraetoria #VarroMurena #Actium #AugustanReforms #RomanMilitary #EliteGuard #Sejanus #Tiberius #PaxRomana #ResGestae #RomanHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo