What was the name of the Roman army’s elite personal guard for the emperor?

The Praetorian Guard was the Roman army’s elite personal guard for the emperor.

The unit developed from the praetorian cohorts that had accompanied Republican commanders and was formally organized as an imperial guard under Augustus. Its members were selected from Roman citizens and generally enjoyed better pay and service conditions than ordinary legionaries. The guard was based mainly in Rome and protected the emperor, the imperial family, and important officials.

Its political influence grew because it stood close to the center of power. Praetorians participated in several conspiracies, assassinations, and successions, including the killing of Caligula in 41 CE and the elevation of Claudius.

The guard was disbanded by Constantine after his victory over Maxentius in 312 CE. It should not be confused with the Urban Cohorts, which primarily handled policing and public order in Rome.