IntroductionTheir name alone evokes many vivid images; from heroic men clad in Roman red iron to the bloody battlefields, where they stand disciplined and orderly while chaos reigns everywhere, and even to the quiet corridors of the emperors' palace, where a change of power and leadership is only 'a stroke of the blade. These fierce and robust men formed the iconic symbol of the ancient Roman army: the Praetorian Guard. Rigid and unwavering, these soldiers were the bodyguards of the most powerful men of the ancient world: the emperors of Rome. Formally established in 23 BC by Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, the Praetorian Guard served as bodyguards to the emperors, approximately nine cohorts of five hundred men each formed the First Praetorian Guard; they were stationed just outside the center of Rome. The Praetorian Guard was mainly recruited from central Italy, unlike most of the Roman army, the Guard was made up of all Italian citizens and they are called "the true born sons of Italy" by Piso, Galba's chosen heir. “The Praetorians therefore became the symbolic living descendants of the glorious Roman past” (Wasileski 32). The Praetorians were considered the symbol of the power of the emperors. "The Praetorians were a visible symbol of [the emperor's] strength in the capital" (Wasileski 1). The transition from bodyguard to political power gave the Praetorian Guard a sense of power, especially the prefects Praetorians. Most of the infamous stories surrounding the assassination of their emperors by the Praetorian Guard are actually just about a few guards following a very ambitious Praetorian Prefect. . Praetorian prefects generally do not serve with Praetorians before taking command. They are primarily Guard administrators and most do not have ...... middle of paper ...... ki 20). It is also worth knowing that the Praetorian Guard was always a personal bodyguard and in most cases served their emperors faithfully and actually helped keep the peace and continued to do their duty to the emperor in its whole. However, with the realization of their political powers, the Praetorian Prefects will use the Praetorian Guard to more frequently influence what happens behind the palace doors and better fit their own agendas. These loyal and heroic men of the Guard are gradually transformed into nefarious tools used to further corrupt ambitions and disloyal betrayals. Although, despite all the bribery and corruption, the Guard will always remain this awesome symbol of Roman power, they will always be remembered as the right hand of the emperor. They will always hold their place in the hallowed annals of history as the Emperor's elite bodyguards..