[wildcard_redneck]

I think every president should have the right to choose his own security team whenever he wants. We do not want the Secret Service to turn into the Pretorian Guard which will pick our presidents and control our country. For those that don't know here is the history of the Pretoria guard in ancient Rome and why they were such a problem.

The Praetorian Guard played a significant role in selecting Roman emperors, often exercising their power to influence or even directly appoint leaders. They famously auctioned off the imperial throne in AD 193, demonstrating their ability to control the political landscape of Rome. 

Role of the Praetorian Guard in Selecting Emperors

The Praetorian Guard was not just a bodyguard unit; they played a crucial role in the political dynamics of ancient Rome, particularly in the selection and appointment of emperors.

Key Events in Emperor Selection

• Auctioning the Throne (AD 193): The Praetorian Guard famously auctioned off the imperial throne after the assassination of Emperor Pertinax. This event highlighted their significant influence over imperial succession.

• Assassinations and Appointments: The Guard was known for their willingness to assassinate emperors they deemed unfavorable. For instance, they executed Emperor Caligula in AD 41 and later declared Claudius as the new emperor.

Influence on Imperial Politics

The Praetorian Guard's power stemmed from their close proximity to the emperor and their unique position as the only armed force allowed in Rome. This led to several key outcomes:

• Political Manipulation: They often acted as power brokers, influencing decisions and appointments within the imperial hierarchy.

• Loyalty and Bribery: Emperors frequently sought to secure the loyalty of the Praetorians through financial incentives, which sometimes backfired, leading to further instability.

Summary of Their Impact

The Praetorian Guard's actions resulted in the rise and fall of numerous emperors, making them a formidable force in Roman politics. Their legacy is marked by a blend of loyalty and treachery, as they transitioned from protectors of the emperor to ruthless power players in the Roman Empire.

[ComputerGuy]

Interesting. I didn’t know any of that.

[No name given]

Absolutely right.

[jmaroneps37]

The Praetorian Guard lost 26 consecutive Caesars to assassination.

[roving]

They picked Claudius As he was hiding in a closet. They viewed him as weak. Easy to manipulate.