Praetorian cover art

Praetorian

The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard

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Praetorian

By: Guy de la Bédoyère
Narrated by: Malk Williams
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About this listen

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 BC, 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.

©2017 Guy de la Bédoyère (P)2017 Audible, Inc. Ancient Military Rome Ancient Rome Italy Bodyguard Ancient History Solider

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All stars
Most relevant
About half way through I changed the speed and slowed the narrator down, after which I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Before this is was like having facts about Romans flung at you far to fast to absorb them.

Good but read far too fast

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Greta book for those who think they have read / listened to just about everything about the Roman Empire. In the beginning maybe a bit too detailed / technical but it is highly interesting to understand the power and the schemes of the Praetorian leaders and their contribution to the fall of Rome.

For the Romaficionados

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if your looking for a good introduction to the history of the praetorians then this is a good and interesting book to listen to. Well worth it.

Good Overview of the Praetorians

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this was a really engaging and well written survey piece covering the history of the Praetorians. it's real strength is in busting many myths about them and clarifying what we do and don't know about them. it's especially helpful to separate them put from wider discussion of the Roman Military

A Fascinating Insight into a pivotal Roman Institution

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An object lesson in how to make Roman history into a tedious flow of facts. At least up to the point I gave up.

Tedious

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