Praetorian Guard

The Praetorian Guard was an elite group of soldiers in ancient Rome, originally established to protect the Roman Emperor and his family. Over time, they became powerful political players, sometimes influencing or even deciding who would become emperor. They were known for their loyalty to the ruler, luxurious lifestyle, and significant influence within Roman politics. Their reputation was mixed—they could be both guardians and catalysts of political chaos. The guard's importance declined as the Roman Empire evolved, eventually dissolving along with the fall of the Western Roman Empire.