 Remains of the Praetorian Gate | |
   Castra Praetoria Shown within Rome | |
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| Location | Rome |
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| Coordinates | 41°54′21″N12°30′22″E / 41.9059°N 12.5060°E /41.9059; 12.5060 |
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| Military of ancient Rome |
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Castra Praetoria were the ancient barracks (castra) of thePraetorian Guard ofImperial Rome.
According to the Roman historianTacitus, the barracks were built in 23 AD byLucius Aelius Sejanus, the praetorian prefect serving under the emperorTiberius, in an effort to consolidate the several divisions of the guards.[1]
The barracks were erected just outside the city ofRome and surrounded by solid masonry walls, measuring a total of 440 by 380 metres (1,440 ft × 1,250 ft). Three of the four sides of the walls were later incorporated in theAurelian Walls, and parts of them are clearly visible today. The adjacent city districtCastro Pretorio is named after the barracks.
The Castra Praetoria was the location of several important events in the history of Rome. It was to this camp thatClaudius was brought after the murder of his nephewCaligula to become the first emperor to be proclaimed by the Praetorians. Here too was where the Praetorian Guard auctioned off the imperial title after their murder of the emperorPertinax. On March 28 193 ADTitus Flavius Claudius Sulpicianus was within the barracks trying to calm the troops when he began to offer adonative if they would support his candidacy for the throne. Meanwhile,Didius Julianus also arrived at the camp, and since his entrance was barred, shouted out offers to the guard. After hours of bidding, Sulpicianus promised 20,000 sesterces to every soldier; Julianus, fearing that Sulpicianus would gain the throne, then offered 25,000. The guards closed with the offer of Julianus, threw open the gates of the camp, and proclaimed him emperor.[2] This was also the site of the slaying of the EmperorElagabalus, and his motherJulia Soaemias by the Praetorians in 222 AD. Then in 238 AD, the barracks were attacked by the citizens of Rome who were in revolt against the emperorMaximinus Thrax.
The Castra Praetoria was destroyed byConstantine I, who also disbanded the Praetorian Guard upon his conquest of Italy whileMaxentius ruled as theWestern Roman Emperor in Italy.[3] Their last stand was at theBattle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, and after Constantine's victory he officially disbanded the Praetorian Guard, sending them out to different corners of the empire.
Media related toCastra Praetoria at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Porta Santo Spirito | Landmarks of Rome Castra Praetoria | Succeeded by Janiculum walls |