Barracks | Praetorian Camp | Praetorium
You enter the praetorium with some trepidation, for this is the headquarters of the Praetorian Prefect, the powerful Marcus Gavius Maximus. This imposing building and courtyard is located at the center of the camp. In addition to housing the praetorian prefects, the praetorium is used for official business of the Praetorian Guard, including sacrifices and announcements. This gold coin of Claudius (see also drawing) exaggerates the size of the praetorium to emphasize its importance.
As the only military presence in the city (except for the Urban Cohorts), the Praetorians and their Prefects played a major role in the succession of emperors. Go to the Gradus Monetae in the Forum to learn about the downfall of Sejanus, perhaps the most powerful Praetorian Prefect of all time, and visit the Cryptoporticus of the Domus Tiberiana on the Palatine to see the role played by the Praetorians in the assassination of Caligula, who had issued a special coin showing himself addressing the Praetorian Cohorts. Claudius would never have become emperor without the Praetorians; no wonder he issued a gold coin to commemorate this camp! Nowadays, however, the Guard serve quietly and loyally under Antoninus Pius, and Gavius Maximus is liked and respected as a staunch supporter and astute advisor to the emperor.
Mus
Praetorian Camp