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The Role and Position of theCohors Praetoria of Roman Emperor

Youngsik Cho 1

1공군사관학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study is on the political and social role of the Roman emperor praetorian guard in principate. The imperial praetorian guard was an elite unit of Roman Army whose primary responsibility was to safeguard the emperor and his family. Augustus adapted the republican traditional institution which formed the personal army of emperor. It is very short time that the praetorian guard became responsible for military tasks. But the more important thing, they were responsible for various administrative duties in Rome. These functions occurred for the close relationship between the guard and the emperor. Not only would they assist in the management of the capital, but also serve as a constant reminder to the people of the substantial armed force. But the previous studies of praetorian guard have concentrated on the its organization and role as the imperial bodyguard. A few scholars have studied this imperial praetorian guard in a systematic manner since M. Durry and A. Passerini in the early 20th century initiated it. Most researchers on the Roman Military were conducted in part, rendering untouched a variety of critical matters, such as enlistment, organization, equipment, hierarchy of officers, legion and auxilia, strategy and tactics. It is through an examination of the other responsibilities of the praetorians that a more complex understanding their position in the state. Therefore, this study is to reestablish the figure of the imperial praetorian guard in a few aspect, based on the existing researches on the Roman Emperor's region basis that was the crucial discourse among historians in the late 20th century. The purpose of this study is to examine those aspects of the guard that are outside its basic mandate of providing protection for the imperial household. The development of the preatorians into a unit that carried out political role, fought fires in the city and was employed as security at the games. in other words, the praetorian responsibilities fall into two board categories:special military assignments and civil administrative tasks. In my opinion the latter is more important.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.