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While Augustus understood the need to have a protector in the maelstrom of Rome, he was careful to uphold the Republican veneer of his regime. The group that was formed initially differed greatly from the later Guard, which came to be a vital force in the power politics of Rome.
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Thus, from the ranks of the legions throughout the provinces, Augustus recruited the Praetorian Guard. When Augustus became the first ruler of the Roman Empire in 27 BC, he decided such a formation was useful not only on the battlefield but in politics also. As Caesar discovered with the Legio X Equestris, a powerful unit more dangerous than its fellow legions was desirable in the field. In time, this cohort came to be known as the cohors praetoria, and various notable figures possessed one, including Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Augustus (Octavian). They consisted of both infantry and cavalry. It was a habit of many Roman generals to choose from the ranks a private force of soldiers to act as guards of the tent or the person. They were an elite recruitment of Roman citizens. The term Praetorian derived from the tent of the commanding general or praetor of a Roman army in the field-the praetorium. Military engineering ( castra, siege engines, arches, roads)įrontiers and fortifications ( limes, Hadrian's Wall) Roman army ( unit types and ranks, legions, auxiliaries, generals) 4 Organization and conditions of service.3 Relationships between emperors and their Guard.5 Organization and conditions of service.4 Relationships between emperors and their Guard.