The Praetorian Guard have become a byword for any military force which is used to prop up a ruthless regime. There is no doubt that they performed this function in the Roman Empire. As the main body of troops in Rome they were the emperor's instrument to discourage plotting and rebellion and to crush unrest. They were the emperor's most immediate line of defence; they could also, on occasion, be his most deadly enemies. Throughout their history the Guard were all too aware that they could make or destroy emperors as they wished. Boris Rankov brings his considerable expertise to this title which covers the organisation, dress and history from these early days to the Guard's effective destruction at the battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312, and also details the guard units of the third and fourth centuries that replaced those lost. Packed with photographs and illustrations, including 12 stunning full page colour plates by one of the world's most renowned military artists, Richard Hook, this volume is a superb addition to the Elite series. Format 248 x 184mm Extent 64pp No. of illustrations 55 b/w; 10 Col Binding Paperback |
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