Units of History - The Praetorian Guard DOCUMENTARY

In this history documentary we explore the legendary Praetorian Guard of the Roman Army. We begin with their origins which had its start in a tradition of bodyguard troops dating back to the Roman monarchy. In these early years, chieftains would have their elite retinue by their side both in peace and in war. During the early Republic, it became practice for allied latin units to be selected as a part of the Extraordinarii which were to camp besides a Roman general in camp and be at his direct disposal. In later years, powerful Roman generals would begin forming their own bodyguard troops such as Caesar's Germanic cavalry which accompanied him throughout the Gallic Wars. At the end of the Republic, so called Cohors Praetoriae would be used by both Augustus and Mark Antony in their civil war. In the aftermath Augustus would merge these units and institutionalize them as an important part of his new regime. From then on, the Praetorian Guard would play a key part in the history of the Roman Empire, especially when they became involved with politics in Rome and in the transitions of power therein.

Literary Sources:
"The Praetorian Guard" by Boris Rankov
"The Praetorian Guard" by Sandra Bingham
"Legions of Rome" by Stephen Dando-Collins
"Uniforms of the Roman World" by Kevin Kiley
"The Complete Roman Army" by Adrian Goldsworthy
"Roman Military Equipment" by M.C. Bishop
"Augustus" by Anthony Everitt

Credits:
Research = Invicta
Script = Invicta
Narration = Guy Michaels
Art = Penta Limited

#history
#documentary
#rome

[Punaeased]

"These are the good lads that you can count on to never stab you in the back" - Caligula, Aurelian, Caracalla, Commodus, Galba, Elagalabus, Perinax, Balbinus and Pupienus

[huntclanhunt]

I think that disbanding the guard alone shows that Constantine was smarter than any previous emperor.

[curranlakhani]

Excellent video, the Praetorian Guard is probably one of the most infamous units of antiquity, where they morphed from being an elite unit of soldiers who protect the Emperor, to a unit that attempted to control them. Another unit that went through a similar transition are the Janissaries. A video on the Janissaries would be amazing!

Keep up the great work @Invicta

[TetsuShima]

Augustus: "I shall appoint the Praetorians as my personal guard. They sure will protect me and the following emperors with absolute loyalty..."

*Centuries later*
Praetorian Guards: "WHERE IS THE F*CKING MONEY, PERTINAX?"
Pertinax: "It's down there somewhere. Let me take another look..."
Praetorian Guards: *Plunge his head back into the Tiber*

[Sakai]

There has never been a better time than here and now for lovers of History looking for entertainment that educates. We are spoiled for choice, and this channel is among the very best. I thank you.

[jarhead]

It’s been said before but the quality of these videos is simply amazing. Hats off to the animators, scriptwriters, researchers, editors, and the entire production crew for giving us such amazing and accessible information

[mennorach]

So.. we could call the late era Praetorian Guard a rich and highly selective political party interested manly in maintaining the systems that allowed them to exist and get rich..? They acted like one and the requirements for admission closed a lot of people outside the unit/party.

Interesting video, keep them coming!

[eminguso]

Here's some ideas for future episodes:

a) Napoleon's Imperial Guards
b) Polish Winged Hussars
c) Ottoman Jannisary
d) English longbowmen
e) Black Watch...

[georgepatton]

all Romaboos know that if we ever have a time machine, the first thing we do is go back in time and convince Augustus to disband the Praetorians ASAP

[theicepickthatkilledtrotsk]

F in the chat for the Restitutor Orbis, Emperor Aurelian.

[Raz.C]

If I had to choose the absolute BEST legions ever to represent Rome, it would have to have been Caesar's 9th and 10th legions. The 9th legion always held the left flank with the 10th always holding the right flank. Both were the farthest legions from Caesar in any battle and both legions consistently performed better than any other. At Pharsalus, the 9th had to hold their ground longer than any other legion, while the 10th was responsible for rolling up Pompey's left flank and starting its rout.

[mihaiszilagyi]

I was so happy when I have found out that Constantine disbanded them. Most of the empire’s misfortunes can be traced back to the pretorian guard. Never forget Aurelian.

[sergiovieira]

I would love a vídeo about the French Imperial Guard, especially the Old Guard, Les Gronards. Or the Canons of the Holy Sepulcher.

[johntaylor]

"No one with that much drip can ever be trusted" A Ceaser, probably Claudius.

[well-blazeredman]

The scariest words ever heard in Rome: 'Sire, we'd like you to be our new emperor. And don't worry about your safety; the Guard will have your back covered.'

[atomicsquid]

Not gonna lie, I was impressed to see Victrix advertising in this video. And yes I am going to be getting a few sets of their Late Roman troops very soon.

[witchhunter]

The greatest imperial assassins in history

[bleekskaduwee]

You should do episodes about Roman Auxiliaries(such as Batavian horse), the German Guard and the Singularian horse

[TetsuShima]

Constantine: *Dissolves the Praetorian Guard*
Praetorian Guards: "DAMN YOU!!! NOW WHO ARE WE GOING TO KILL EVERYTIME WE GET BORED?!" 😡

[frankthetank]

Oh they sound to be quite the stalwart and loyal bunch. Ever shifting loyalty, flickering like a candle in the wind. How impressive!