Praetorian

The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Rome, Military, Other
Cover of the book Praetorian by Guy de la Bédoyère, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Guy de la Bédoyère ISBN: 9780300226270
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: February 28, 2017
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Guy de la Bédoyère
ISBN: 9780300226270
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: February 28, 2017
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
A riveting account of ancient Rome’s imperial bodyguard, the select band of soldiers who wielded the power to make—or destroy—the emperors they served

Founded by Augustus around 27 B.C., the elite Praetorian Guard was tasked with the protection of the emperor and his family. As the centuries unfolded, however, Praetorian soldiers served not only as protectors and enforcers but also as powerful political players. Fiercely loyal to some emperors, they vied with others and ruthlessly toppled those who displeased them, including Caligula, Nero, Pertinax, and many more. Guy de la Bédoyère provides a compelling first full narrative history of the Praetorians, whose dangerous ambitions ceased only when Constantine permanently disbanded them.
 
de la Bédoyère introduces Praetorians of all echelons, from prefects and messengers to artillery experts and executioners. He explores the delicate position of emperors for whom prestige and guile were the only defenses against bodyguards hungry for power. Folding fascinating details into a broad assessment of the Praetorian era, the author sheds new light on the wielding of power in the greatest of the ancient world’s empires.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
A riveting account of ancient Rome’s imperial bodyguard, the select band of soldiers who wielded the power to make—or destroy—the emperors they served

Founded by Augustus around 27 B.C., the elite Praetorian Guard was tasked with the protection of the emperor and his family. As the centuries unfolded, however, Praetorian soldiers served not only as protectors and enforcers but also as powerful political players. Fiercely loyal to some emperors, they vied with others and ruthlessly toppled those who displeased them, including Caligula, Nero, Pertinax, and many more. Guy de la Bédoyère provides a compelling first full narrative history of the Praetorians, whose dangerous ambitions ceased only when Constantine permanently disbanded them.
 
de la Bédoyère introduces Praetorians of all echelons, from prefects and messengers to artillery experts and executioners. He explores the delicate position of emperors for whom prestige and guile were the only defenses against bodyguards hungry for power. Folding fascinating details into a broad assessment of the Praetorian era, the author sheds new light on the wielding of power in the greatest of the ancient world’s empires.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Zong: A Massacre, the Law and the End of Slavery by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Exploring Happiness: From Aristotle to Brain Science by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book The Snail Darter and the Dam by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book The End of the Asian Century by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book A Natural History of Beer by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book The Invention of Scotland by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Breakpoint by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Questions on Love and Charity by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Liberty or Death by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Women in Middle Eastern History by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Performing Music in the Age of Recording by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book The Battle of Marathon by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Design And Truth by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Second Nature: Brain Science and Human Knowledge by Guy de la Bédoyère
Cover of the book Uniting America by Guy de la Bédoyère
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy