04-26-2013, 03:31 PM
The legionary/auxiliary soldier had a different mission. Praetorians were first and foremost the bodyguards of the Emperor, and secondarily groups of soldiers sent for special missions or to escort special people to a distant location, or for whatever the Emperor sent them to do. More than one source says they were, indeed, better trained soldiers than many, and were hand-picked men from the best Rome had to offer. They were paid much better, and were (usually) loyal to Emperors that upheld the highest standards of Roman virtue.
As time went on, the group became more and more a "mercenary army", and money became their overriding motive. It would be a good idea, perhaps, to read Evans' book, mentioned below, as he gives a pretty well-documented case for the generalities I've said above. If the Emperor was threatened, they gave pretty good account for themselves on the battlefield, whenever necessary.
As time went on, the group became more and more a "mercenary army", and money became their overriding motive. It would be a good idea, perhaps, to read Evans' book, mentioned below, as he gives a pretty well-documented case for the generalities I've said above. If the Emperor was threatened, they gave pretty good account for themselves on the battlefield, whenever necessary.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
(David Wills)
Saepe veritas est dura.
