This research deals with the role of the Praetorian Guard in Roman politics in the second and third centuries AD. The Praetorian Guard was formed during the reign of Emperor Augustus in 27 BC, and its primary mission was to protect the emperor and his family, but its role soon expanded to include protecting the capital, Rome, and securing it from internal strife. Protecting homes from thieves’ attacks, participating in putting out fires, and securing sports games and theatrical performances in the city.

In the second and third centuries AD, the Praetorian Guard continued to perform its traditional functions, but it also played a prominent political role, as its leaders were able to interfere in the selection of the emperor, isolate each other, or were able to occupy the throne themselves.

Several factors contributed to the expansion of the political role of the Praetorian Guard, including:

•  The weakness of the emperors in that period, which provided the opportunity for the guards to interfere in political affairs.

•  Frequent political conflicts in Rome, which made the Guard a military force required by various political parties.

•  The stability of the Praetorian Guard in the capital, Rome, made it closer to political events and more able to influence them.

The research concluded that the Praetorian Guard was an important political force in the Roman Empire in the second and third centuries AD, as it played a prominent role in political events and contributed to destabilizing political stability in the empire.