In this history documentary we explore the legendary Praetorian Guard of the Roman Army. We begin with their origins which had its start in a tradition of bodyguard troops dating back to the Roman monarchy.

In these early years, chieftains would have their elite retinue by their side both in peace and in war. During the early Republic, it became practice for allied latin units to be selected as a part of the Extraordinarii which were to camp besides a Roman general in camp and be at his direct disposal. In later years, powerful Roman generals would begin forming their own bodyguard troops such as Caesar's Germanic cavalry which accompanied him throughout the Gallic Wars. At the end of the Republic, so called Cohors Praetoriae would be used by both Augustus and Mark Antony in their civil war.

In the aftermath Augustus would merge these units and institutionalize them as an important part of his new regime. From then on, the Praetorian Guard would play a key part in the history of the Roman Empire, especially when they became involved with politics in Rome and in the transitions of power therein.