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Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard
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.
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.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
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About the author
Guy de la Bédoyère
61 books104 followersGuy de la Bédoyère is author of a widely admired series of books on Roman history. He appeared regularly on the UK’s Channel 4 archaeology series Time Team and is well known in the United States for his volume The Romans for Dummies. His latest books are Gladius. Living, Fighting, and Dying in the Roman Army (2020), and Pharaohs of the Sun. How Egypt's Despots and Dreamers Drove the Rise and Fall of Tutankhamun's Dynasty (2022). He lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 21, 2025
Praetorian by Guy De La Bédoyère – ★★★☆☆
The Praetorian Guard is one of the most fascinating institutions of Ancient Rome—at once protectors, powerbrokers, and at times, outright threats to the emperors they served. Formed by Augustus as elite bodyguards, the Praetorians took on many roles over the centuries: acting as a kind of police force under Marcus Aurelius, evolving into kingmakers who literally auctioned the throne under weaker leaders, and eventually being disbanded altogether under Constantine. Their story is central to understanding how imperial Rome functioned—and faltered.
Guy De La Bédoyère tackles this sweeping history in Praetorian. This was a decent book overall, and I certainly gained some new insights into how the Guard operated across different reigns. That said, I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of De La Bédoyère’s style. This is the second of his books I’ve read, and I find that his narrative often bounces around, making it difficult to follow the chronology or sustain a clear through-line. At times, the flow left me feeling more distracted than immersed.
Still, the book succeeds in highlighting the contradictions of the Praetorians—simultaneously guardians of stability and agents of chaos. While I didn’t love the presentation, I did come away with a deeper understanding of how deeply this “elite” unit shaped Roman politics, often in ways that spelled disaster for emperors who underestimated them.
Not my favorite Roman history book, but worth reading if you want a broad look at the rise and fall of Rome’s most infamous soldiers.
The Praetorian Guard is one of the most fascinating institutions of Ancient Rome—at once protectors, powerbrokers, and at times, outright threats to the emperors they served. Formed by Augustus as elite bodyguards, the Praetorians took on many roles over the centuries: acting as a kind of police force under Marcus Aurelius, evolving into kingmakers who literally auctioned the throne under weaker leaders, and eventually being disbanded altogether under Constantine. Their story is central to understanding how imperial Rome functioned—and faltered.
Guy De La Bédoyère tackles this sweeping history in Praetorian. This was a decent book overall, and I certainly gained some new insights into how the Guard operated across different reigns. That said, I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of De La Bédoyère’s style. This is the second of his books I’ve read, and I find that his narrative often bounces around, making it difficult to follow the chronology or sustain a clear through-line. At times, the flow left me feeling more distracted than immersed.
Still, the book succeeds in highlighting the contradictions of the Praetorians—simultaneously guardians of stability and agents of chaos. While I didn’t love the presentation, I did come away with a deeper understanding of how deeply this “elite” unit shaped Roman politics, often in ways that spelled disaster for emperors who underestimated them.
Not my favorite Roman history book, but worth reading if you want a broad look at the rise and fall of Rome’s most infamous soldiers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2017
De la Bédoyère’s book on the Praetorians will likely become the definitive account of the rise and fall of the emperor’s bodyguards but whether it is the best book on the subject depends on what the reader is looking for when opening its pages. If you are looking for a sober and scholarly history of the Praetorians, with a thorough examination of the sources (or lack of them) and extensive discussions of such issues as whether the guards’ cohorts were quingenary (composed of 500 men) or milliary (made up of 1,000 troops), and the evolution of the term cohors praetoria from the purely descriptive to the imperially prescriptive then you will be in historical heaven. However, if you would prefer a gossipy trip through the underbelly of Roman imperial politics and the temptations attendant upon being the bodyguard to the most powerful man in the world, then Praetorian might disappoint. A serious historian, de la Bédoyère prefers to pass over, or passingly refer to, some of the more salacious details of Roman history on the not unreasonable grounds that these were likely inventions to please an audience no less keen on scandal then than are audiences of reality TV today. In Roman terms, de la Bédoyère is more Josephus than Suetonius. While no one would disagree that history should inform, it’s an open question as to how much it should entertain. For instance, when presented with an opportunity such as Hadrian’s praetorian prefect going by the name of Quintus Marcius Turbo, should the responsible historian abstain from the temptation to turn name into pun as being beneath his historical credibility, or should he revel in it, claiming that it will help the reader to remember while really indulging in wordplay for the sheer fun of it. It will come as no surprise that de la Bédoyère reacts to the name with all the disdain of Lady Bracknell presented with a handbag.
This is not to say the book is dull but rather that it turns, deliberately, from the sensational to the plausible. It is at its liveliest where our sources are most extensive, but it becomes interestingly scholarly where the sources are at their thinnest as this allows de la Bédoyère to deploy his considerable knowledge of epigraphs – the inscriptions cut into tombs – and temple dedications to deepen and broaden our understanding of how the Praetorians were deployed in the later stages of the Empire. From being bodyguards, they had become imperial firefighters, putting out rebellions and repelling invasions, or even acting as sentries on a grain route in far-off Numidia. It was a long way from the intrigues of Sejanus. Indeed, it was the intrigues of the prefects in the disastrous third century that eventually led to the dissolution of the Praetorians, when they picked the wrong side in the war between Constantine and Maxentius. Having gained the purple, Constantine was not about to let the Praetorians play the role of emperor maker again, and the Castra Praetoria, their camp in Rome, was demolished. The Praetorians were no longer players. But, among the many books on the Guard, this one certainly is.
This is not to say the book is dull but rather that it turns, deliberately, from the sensational to the plausible. It is at its liveliest where our sources are most extensive, but it becomes interestingly scholarly where the sources are at their thinnest as this allows de la Bédoyère to deploy his considerable knowledge of epigraphs – the inscriptions cut into tombs – and temple dedications to deepen and broaden our understanding of how the Praetorians were deployed in the later stages of the Empire. From being bodyguards, they had become imperial firefighters, putting out rebellions and repelling invasions, or even acting as sentries on a grain route in far-off Numidia. It was a long way from the intrigues of Sejanus. Indeed, it was the intrigues of the prefects in the disastrous third century that eventually led to the dissolution of the Praetorians, when they picked the wrong side in the war between Constantine and Maxentius. Having gained the purple, Constantine was not about to let the Praetorians play the role of emperor maker again, and the Castra Praetoria, their camp in Rome, was demolished. The Praetorians were no longer players. But, among the many books on the Guard, this one certainly is.
May 10, 2021
Good read, and certainly gives good insight into the guard's roles throughout Rome's history. I would have liked it if the book went into more detail regarding the guards uniform, armour etc. In fairness to the author, he does note early on that this book isn't about that side of the guard's history and does mention another author's book that does focus on that area more.
Overall an interesting read, would recommend it for anyone interested in Roman history.
Overall an interesting read, would recommend it for anyone interested in Roman history.
May 24, 2019
This is an excellent example of a history book that can appeal to people with no knowledge on its subject, as well as to people who have studied the topic a little already.
Guy de la Bédoyère garnered help and praise from Tom Holland and Adrian Goldsworthy, both of whom are respected in works of the same period. I’ve enjoyed their books in their past, so I (rightly) took their insight and approval as a good sign for Praetorian.
The book isn’t very long, but it gives a thorough, easy to follow, and interesting history of the Praetorian Guard from their establishment to their dissolution. What I particularly enjoyed what that de la Bédoyère contextualized in a fascinating way that was helpful for period experts and newbies, alike, while not dumbing down the material.
As someone who has studied quite a bit about the Roman Empire, I found it simple to quickly place different scenarios in their historical context, while also not getting the sense I was being given too much context and not enough nuanced information.
One aspect that was particularly neat was the way in which Praetorian showed the development of the guard over time. Their purpose evolved, and so did their level of influence over the political system.
I would recommend this book to anyone with even a peripheral interest in the Praetorian Guard. It’s a quick, intriguing read about an essential and often mentioned but less frequently detailed part of ancient history.
Guy de la Bédoyère garnered help and praise from Tom Holland and Adrian Goldsworthy, both of whom are respected in works of the same period. I’ve enjoyed their books in their past, so I (rightly) took their insight and approval as a good sign for Praetorian.
The book isn’t very long, but it gives a thorough, easy to follow, and interesting history of the Praetorian Guard from their establishment to their dissolution. What I particularly enjoyed what that de la Bédoyère contextualized in a fascinating way that was helpful for period experts and newbies, alike, while not dumbing down the material.
As someone who has studied quite a bit about the Roman Empire, I found it simple to quickly place different scenarios in their historical context, while also not getting the sense I was being given too much context and not enough nuanced information.
One aspect that was particularly neat was the way in which Praetorian showed the development of the guard over time. Their purpose evolved, and so did their level of influence over the political system.
I would recommend this book to anyone with even a peripheral interest in the Praetorian Guard. It’s a quick, intriguing read about an essential and often mentioned but less frequently detailed part of ancient history.
July 19, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this summary of the Praetorian Guard, which successfully narrates the history of the Roman Empire from Caesar to Constantine the Great through the lens of the Praetorian Guard; from conception to dissolution.
The Guard, as the author highlights, has an often overstated role as ‘kingmakers’ within the discourse surrounding the Empire, whereas the author’s overall thesis - solidly grounded in a combination of primary and secondary literature - is that the Guard was often only one of many factors at play, and the significance of their role often depended on the character of the emperor(s) of the time.
Plus, the author agrees with Edward Gibbon a lot … his analysis might be outdated, but I like that.
The Guard, as the author highlights, has an often overstated role as ‘kingmakers’ within the discourse surrounding the Empire, whereas the author’s overall thesis - solidly grounded in a combination of primary and secondary literature - is that the Guard was often only one of many factors at play, and the significance of their role often depended on the character of the emperor(s) of the time.
Plus, the author agrees with Edward Gibbon a lot … his analysis might be outdated, but I like that.
August 12, 2018
An okay reference book on the Praetorian guard and it does an good job of plotting out the history of the most notorious body guards in history but it is not the most readable of books and since the source material is limited it uses a lot of secondary sources which by nature gives it a bit more conjecture than I would prefer in an academic approach to the subject. Still a good reference guide but for such an interesting topic this could of been written so much better.
January 9, 2021
This is a very detailed study of the evidence that exists for the role and functioning of Rome's famous Praetorian Guard. And that evidence is for much of its history remarkably fragmentary, so that de la Bédoyère has to assess little bits of evidence that Praetorians may have been used as police, guards of remote grain routes, or even as land surveyors. Because much of what survives of written Roman history from the Imperial period is court history, the Praetorians entered history books mainly when they get involved in court conspiracies and the murder of emperors. The author suggests in his conclusion that this may unfairly bias our view of the Praetorians, and most emperors were loyally served and the corps fulfilled a number of useful functions.
A positive for this book is its thoroughness and de la Bédoyère useful exploration of the epigraphic evidence, which often takes the form of tombstones, diplomas issued to soldiers on their honourable retirement, or civic inscriptions. It gives him the opportunity to look the role of the Emperor's guard in the wider world. It is a somewhat frustrating investigation, as the evidence remains very limited, but an insightful one.
A downside is that the author isn't the most polished writer. His style is rather dry, and at times, especially when he deviates from the chronological framework, he can be confusing. I found his rendering of stories such as that of so-called Pisonian Conspiracy to be very dull, considering the nature of the source material. In a few places, such as when writing about the ruins of Nero's Domus Aurea, he becomes almost lyrical; but for the most part academic dryness prevails.
But if you are willing to take the time, and have interest in the history of the Roman Empire, this is a rewarding read.
A positive for this book is its thoroughness and de la Bédoyère useful exploration of the epigraphic evidence, which often takes the form of tombstones, diplomas issued to soldiers on their honourable retirement, or civic inscriptions. It gives him the opportunity to look the role of the Emperor's guard in the wider world. It is a somewhat frustrating investigation, as the evidence remains very limited, but an insightful one.
A downside is that the author isn't the most polished writer. His style is rather dry, and at times, especially when he deviates from the chronological framework, he can be confusing. I found his rendering of stories such as that of so-called Pisonian Conspiracy to be very dull, considering the nature of the source material. In a few places, such as when writing about the ruins of Nero's Domus Aurea, he becomes almost lyrical; but for the most part academic dryness prevails.
But if you are willing to take the time, and have interest in the history of the Roman Empire, this is a rewarding read.
June 21, 2024
It gave me a good insight in the history and impact of the garde. The book takes you through the hole Roman history and explains on each time periode what the garde did and it's impact on the Roman world. On some parts it felt like he was just describing the time period but then he explains that there just isn't more info or knowledge we have for that time period. Only thing I disliked is that it sometime is repetitive.
November 24, 2020
The definitive guide to the Praetorian Guard. Highly recommend.
August 12, 2022
Dobry wykład historii starożytnego Rzymu, ujętej pod nieco innym kątem, niż zazwyczaj. Przystępność nieprzypłacona kompromisami merytorycznymi, co miłe.
May 31, 2018
A very interesting discussion on a difficult subject. The author looks at the men who ran the emperor's bodyguard as well as the guard itself, shedding some light on where they came from and how they influenced the succession. Most general readers are quite familiar with Sejanus, Macro to name but a couple. I have not yet read Sandra Bingham's book "The Praetorian Guard: A History of Rome's Elite Special Forces" (it's on my shelves), I suspect her book will complement this one quite well. A bit dry at times, it nevertheless is quite readable for anyone interested in this topic.
April 5, 2019
An exciting, brilliantly researched and highly enjoyable work, Guy de la Bedoyeres' 'Praetorian' is a must read for anyone interested in Roman military history, or in the Gaurd itself.
The work, which describes the formation, evolution and decline of the Praetorian's from the days of the Republic to the later Roman Empire, is an immense achievement, utilising written sources, epigraphic evidence, numismatics and archaeology to demonstrate the development of the organisation, showing it more than just the Emperors personal bodyguard, but also his Police force in Rome and on detail abroad, as a strategic reserve in the events of war, as a pool of administrators, tax collectors, builders, firefighters, to name but a few.
The scope of the Praetorian's usefulness to an Emperor in bringing about his desires, objectives and goals, were as great as there ability to topple, replace, or keep him in power. The proximity of the guard to the Emperor did not always mean security for the latter, as was demonstrated numerous times, when the Praetorian's alone took it upon themselves to choose the destiny of the Empire by raising or removing one Emperor after another.
Though this book demonstrates the broad use of Praetorian Guard in the Imperial service in numerous ways over a period of 300 years, it is not an all encompassing history of the Roman Empire, rather it is a history of the Empire from the perspective of the guard and their role in it. As such though some background is given to wider events surrounding Roman history between the foundation in 27BC and disbandment of the guard in 312AD, the rapid pace of events, dates and names may confuse those unfamiliar with the different periods of Roman history.
Otherwise this is a sound work and an excellent guide to anyone wishing to understand the military wing of Roman politics, and the key role played by the Praetorian, whether good or bad, in shaping Roman History.
The work, which describes the formation, evolution and decline of the Praetorian's from the days of the Republic to the later Roman Empire, is an immense achievement, utilising written sources, epigraphic evidence, numismatics and archaeology to demonstrate the development of the organisation, showing it more than just the Emperors personal bodyguard, but also his Police force in Rome and on detail abroad, as a strategic reserve in the events of war, as a pool of administrators, tax collectors, builders, firefighters, to name but a few.
The scope of the Praetorian's usefulness to an Emperor in bringing about his desires, objectives and goals, were as great as there ability to topple, replace, or keep him in power. The proximity of the guard to the Emperor did not always mean security for the latter, as was demonstrated numerous times, when the Praetorian's alone took it upon themselves to choose the destiny of the Empire by raising or removing one Emperor after another.
Though this book demonstrates the broad use of Praetorian Guard in the Imperial service in numerous ways over a period of 300 years, it is not an all encompassing history of the Roman Empire, rather it is a history of the Empire from the perspective of the guard and their role in it. As such though some background is given to wider events surrounding Roman history between the foundation in 27BC and disbandment of the guard in 312AD, the rapid pace of events, dates and names may confuse those unfamiliar with the different periods of Roman history.
Otherwise this is a sound work and an excellent guide to anyone wishing to understand the military wing of Roman politics, and the key role played by the Praetorian, whether good or bad, in shaping Roman History.
May 20, 2021
Praetorian Guards were the most elite military organization in Roman Empire's Army. First made to protect the very person of the Roman Emperor, throughout history, the Praetorians proved that they possessed the ability to make or break an emperor, as they were essential, if not outright actors in the ascension and (mostly) downfall of numerous emperors, even auctioning the job of Roman Emperor to the highest bidder at one point. However, this kingmaking potential of Praetorians only showed up when faced with incompetent emperors. When the emperor was able to exert his power, keep the empire stable, and the Praetorians happy, those troops faded to the background.
Being such an illustrious and important force, whoever served as Praetorian prefect was in position of amassing immense amount of wealth and power, an advantage that some of the most greedy and ambitious prefects was more than happy to utilize, as few of the prefects were becoming emperors themselves. They also became part of most political intrigues within Roman Empire's history. Being likened to keeping a hungry lion within your own room, Praetorian Guards as a military organization effectively ceased to exist after being disbanded by Emperor Constantine (The Great) for backing the wrong candidate for emperor for the last time.
As this book explained, the Praetorians were the natural consequence of power gained through force, for it does not bring sense of security to its wielder, such was the reason of Augustus for bringing the Praetorians into existence. The Praetorian tradition continued to be resonant throughout the history, with various leaders and statesmen tried to emulate it by having their own bodyguard forces, while political scientist Samuel Huntington used Praetorian as a term for militaries which like to meddle in politics, something that obviously inspired by the (mis)deeds of Praetorian Guards.
Being such an illustrious and important force, whoever served as Praetorian prefect was in position of amassing immense amount of wealth and power, an advantage that some of the most greedy and ambitious prefects was more than happy to utilize, as few of the prefects were becoming emperors themselves. They also became part of most political intrigues within Roman Empire's history. Being likened to keeping a hungry lion within your own room, Praetorian Guards as a military organization effectively ceased to exist after being disbanded by Emperor Constantine (The Great) for backing the wrong candidate for emperor for the last time.
As this book explained, the Praetorians were the natural consequence of power gained through force, for it does not bring sense of security to its wielder, such was the reason of Augustus for bringing the Praetorians into existence. The Praetorian tradition continued to be resonant throughout the history, with various leaders and statesmen tried to emulate it by having their own bodyguard forces, while political scientist Samuel Huntington used Praetorian as a term for militaries which like to meddle in politics, something that obviously inspired by the (mis)deeds of Praetorian Guards.
February 2, 2018
In some ways a history of Rome or Rome's politics, but seen through an essential linchpin of Roman politics. One learns from this volume, if it wasn't already clear, that the Praetorians acted on several occasions as Kingmakers, either assassinating inept leaders such as Caligula or Caracalla, or effectively deciding the fate of others, such as Nero.
For those who are interested in Roman history, this is an entirely readable volume and will probably make you want to read other volumes, such as Tacitus and Suetonius. Guy de la Bedoyere does draw on the accounts of Tacitus, Suetonius and Josephus, but also draws upon archaeology, and has demonstrated a well researched and worthy contribution to the canon of Roman history.
The book is very readable, and each chapter features a short abstract outlining the direction of Roman history to be covered in the respective chapter, making it easier to keep pace.
On the whole, a very readable and valuable book, and a very digestible account of classical history.
For those who are interested in Roman history, this is an entirely readable volume and will probably make you want to read other volumes, such as Tacitus and Suetonius. Guy de la Bedoyere does draw on the accounts of Tacitus, Suetonius and Josephus, but also draws upon archaeology, and has demonstrated a well researched and worthy contribution to the canon of Roman history.
The book is very readable, and each chapter features a short abstract outlining the direction of Roman history to be covered in the respective chapter, making it easier to keep pace.
On the whole, a very readable and valuable book, and a very digestible account of classical history.
June 7, 2018
c2017 (2): Really interesting and written in an approachable way. I have no doubt that this will be a reference book used by many a fiction writer in the future. Every now and then, there was a little comment that made me chuckle and elevated the book in my eyes. Definitely recommended to those in the normal crew. Claudius' wife at the time, Messalina, was in fact his cousin by virtue of the fact that his grandmother Octavia was also her great-grandmother. She produced two children (at least supposedly) by Claudius: Britannicus and Octavia. "
November 2, 2019
This book took me forever! Not because it was poorly written, but rather because every page sent me off to Wikipedia or other sources to read up more of what was going on. I think I’ve read more wiki articles in the past month and a half than I have in years... if you’re interested in Rome, highly recommend the book. One critique: I do wish the reference section at the end that laid out the various terms included more of the terms; most common ones were explained, but not all. Still, a minor annoyance in an otherwise excellent book
February 11, 2019
A readable account of the history of the Praetorians using contemporary sources where possible and filling in the gaps with inferences from archeological evidence. The narrative is clear where there is room for doubt and gives reasoned arguments for deductions made.
It probably does not suit a reader with a casual interest in the period but is worthwhile reading for a deeper understanding of The Guard’s origins, organisation and influence on Roman history.
It probably does not suit a reader with a casual interest in the period but is worthwhile reading for a deeper understanding of The Guard’s origins, organisation and influence on Roman history.
December 25, 2017
Brilliant!
I'm fascinated by the guard and found this to be a good resource on it. I also like the writing style. I found myself laughing a couple of times, though it might have been my distinctly odd sense of humor. Additionally, the look into the lives of the emperors was really interesting.
I'm fascinated by the guard and found this to be a good resource on it. I also like the writing style. I found myself laughing a couple of times, though it might have been my distinctly odd sense of humor. Additionally, the look into the lives of the emperors was really interesting.
September 14, 2018
Fantastic book covering the full span of the life of these elite corps of the Roman army. The author is well researched and uses all the primary sources when available and combine then with archaeological information to provide a vivid picture of the Praetorian Guard. The book is very well written and it's very enticing. Fully recommended
June 2, 2021
An extremely useful and detailed account of the history of the Praetorian guards, and their latter influences through the ages. Full of description and explanation, but slow as a consequence. It requires concentrated and dedicated reading to progress through the pages. Definitely beneficial for the enthusiast and qualified.
June 2, 2019
Bit dry in places with a repetitive explanation that there is no record of the size of cohorts, they could be 500 or 1000, I felt that once that had been explained once it was enough. Same goes to ratios of pay between different types of soldier. Overall though more interesting than I thought.
January 18, 2020
In studying history, I always wondered how, in the Roman Empire, the Praetorian Guard got so powerful and corrupt. Killing or helping to kill Emperors and choosing new ones. Thanks to De La Bedoyere, I know why.
May 15, 2021
Interesting book about the Praetorian Guard, set up to protect the Ceasar from his enemies but on many occasions acting as kingmaker, & supporting whichever ambitious individual could bribe them the most.
June 19, 2023
It's a good thing the greeks say they invented/brought democracyto the world becuase the Pratorian's did not flinch to stick a knife/blade into anybody for a payday. I found the book very interesting i had no idea.
February 24, 2024
Very informative book. It's too bad the Romans didn't keep better records. The author may have been able to put together a three-book series. If there wasn't so much uncertainty about how things were 2000 years ago.
April 18, 2025
A great overview for anyone interested in the history of the praetorian guard!
At such a short length, this book sadly doesn’t always dive into as much detail as I’d like but as a general overview it works great!
At such a short length, this book sadly doesn’t always dive into as much detail as I’d like but as a general overview it works great!
August 7, 2025
Rich in history and very well documented; a great resource and thumbnail review of the emperors. A bit of a trudge, especially beyond Diocletian and the end of the Flavians. I’ll keep it for reference and its ample source references.
February 18, 2019
Interesting but very detailed!
July 20, 2019
An enjoyable read. Very scholarly and thoroughly researched.
October 21, 2019
Amazing book really enjoyed it could add some more detail about the corruption but that's all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews