Diocletian\'s Praetorians

[Nathan Ross]

In 'De Mortibus Persecutoris' by Lactantius, there's the following description of 'praetorians' destroying the church in Nicomedia in 303AD: "Veniebant igitur praetoriani acie structa cum securibus et aliis ferramentis et immissi undique fanum illud editissimum paucis horis solo adaequarunt."<br>
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("Then the Praetorian Guards came in battle array, with axes and other iron instruments, and having been let loose everywhere, they in a few hours levelled that very lofty edifice with the ground")<br>
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I had believed that by this date the Praetorian Guard were based solely in Rome, and that Diocletian's bodyguard would be comprised of other units. Was this not the case? If it is, who might these 'praetoriani' have been? <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Any particular reason for assuming that the Praetorians were based soley in Rome? <p></p><i></i>

[Goffredo]

Was the emperor nearby in this epsidode?<br>
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[Nathan Ross]

Nicomedia was one of the Imperial 'residences' at the time, and both Diocletian and Galerius were there during this episode.<br>
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I believe that it was Diocletian himself - although the changes may date back to Gallienus - who substantially reduced the Praetorians, confining them to Rome as a city garrison (I think Aurelius Maximus mentions this). This was at the same time as the 'sacer comitatus' or field escort was set up, and the Imperial bodyguard of Jovians and Herculians created out of two older legions. AHM Smith's 'Later Roman Empire' suggests that the Scholae Palatini may date to Diocletian as well, plus the corps of Protectores (sort of officer cadets, I assume).<br>
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Then again, the mention of 'praetoriani' in this passage suggests otherwise - unless the word was being used as a generic term for Imperial guards of one sort or another. <p></p><i></i>

[Robert Vermaat]

Quote:</em></strong><hr>AHM Smith's 'Later Roman Empire' suggests that..<hr><br>
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I think that should be AHM Jones?<br>
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Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>

[Nathan Ross]

Doh! Smith, Jones... you know the guy I mean! (embarrassed chuckle...) <p></p><i></i>