ROM043
First Legion
First Legion proudly presents their first non-combative Romans:
The Roman Praetorian Guard! Praetorians guarded the Roman Emperors, though the name was in use for several hundred years prior. The formation of the Praetorian Guard presented here started when Emperor Augustus chose the best men from across his legions to be his guards. The Praetorian Guard played a political role as they were the sole armed force within the city. This made them something of a double edged sword for the Emperors which they nominally protected. In addition, they took part in campaigns and battles, including those of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. They were at the least the equal of any other Roman Legion and at best more than equal.
This Optio keeps a sharp eye on the men to see they remain in step. Optios were paid twice the rate of a regular soldier and served as second-in-command to a centurion.