PraetorianA riveting account of ancient Romes imperial bodyguard, the select band of soldiers who wielded the power to makeor destroythe 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