Skip to product information
1 of 1

Guy de la Bedoyere

Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard

Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard

Regular price £11.95 GBP
Regular price £12.99 GBP Sale price £11.95 GBP
8% OFF Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £1.04

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
Trustpilot 4.5 stars rating  Excellent
We're rated excellent on Trustpilot.
  • More about Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard

The Praetorian Guard was founded by Augustus and was tasked with the protection of the emperor and his family. They served as protectors, enforcers, and political players, vying with and ruthlessly toppling emperors who displeased them. Guy de la Bédoyère provides a compelling narrative history of the Praetorians, exploring their dangerous ambitions and the delicate position of emperors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2018
Publisher: Yale University Press


The Praetorian Guard, an elite unit of ancient Rome's imperial bodyguard, holds a captivating tale of power and influence. Founded by Augustus around 27 B.C., this select band of soldiers was entrusted with the critical responsibility of protecting the emperor and his family. Over the centuries, the Praetorian Guard evolved from mere protectors to influential political figures. While fiercely loyal to some emperors, they engaged in fierce rivalries and toppled those who displeased them, including notorious figures such as Caligula, Nero, Pertinax, and many more.

In his comprehensive work, Guy de la Bédoyère offers the first full narrative history of the Praetorians. He delves into the diverse roles of Praetorians, ranging from prefects and messengers to artillery experts and executioners. Through his exploration, de la Bédoyère sheds light on the delicate position of emperors, who relied on prestige and guile to counter the ambitions of their bodyguards, who craved power. The author incorporates fascinating details into a broad assessment of the Praetorian era, providing a fresh perspective on the wielding of power within the grand empires of ancient Rome.

The Praetorian Guard's legacy remains a subject of fascination and debate to this day. Their role in shaping the course of Roman history has left an indelible mark, and their story continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. The select band of soldiers who wielded the power to make or destroy emperors serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics and power struggles that characterized the ancient world.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 195 x 129 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300234381

This item can be found in:

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details