AboutFrancesco Marchesani Expertise I have an indeep knowledge of European history, expecially Ancient, Roman and Medieval history. I focus my attention on military history as well; I have access to a university library with many ancient books.
Experience Mainly through self study (other than my university studies in laws) I have acquired a good knowledge of the topic, which I enjoy further study.
Question what was the power of this army what was so special about it that they could act as kingmaker. and who was in power of that army? the general? the soldiers?
Answer Hello,
the praetorian guard was the body guard of the emperor: its power came from being so physically close to him and thus, in some cases, able to influence him or even to kill him. The commander of the praetorians (called prefectus praetorio) often took advantage of his position to control weaker emperors or to replace them (sometimes, becoming himself an emperor).
However, even though the praetorian guard is traditionally depicted as an haven of intrigue, conspiracy and murder, it was also a strong military unit that fought bravely for over two centuries, and had a somehow positive influence over the Empire by supporting strong and popular emperors; only during the crisis of the third century, it turned into the mercenary and meddling force as we infamously describe it today.
