Castra Praetoria
The Castra Praetoria (English: Praetorian Barracks) was a fortified castle in Rome, built along the north-eastern edge of the Aurelian Walls. It was originally constructed to house the Praetorian Guard, the official bodyguards of the Roman Emperors.
History
Early history
The Castra functioned as the ancient barracks for the Praetorian Guard of Imperial Rome. After Constantine's victory over Maxentius in 312, he destroyed the barracks.
Although the Guard had been the Emperor's protectors for centuries and were simply doing their job defending Maxentius, it appeared as if Constantine was unable to forgive them. Soon after, the Praetorian Guard was permanently disbanded.
Renaissance
In 1503, the Castra became the headquarters of Cesare Borgia's French ally, General Octavian de Valois, and it was from here that the Baron launched his assaults on the Caserma di Alviano.
Following the kidnapping of Bartolomeo d'Alviano's wife, Pantasilea Baglioni, the fortress was infiltrated by Ezio Auditore da Firenze and a contingent of Bartolomeo's mercenaries disguised as French soldiers. Octavian was killed in the surprise attack, and his forces abandoned the fortress not long after.
Trivia
- The Castra Praetoria was the location of one of Clay Kaczmarek's Rifts.
Gallery
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Concept art of the Castra Praetoria gates. -
Concept development of the Castra Praetoria. -
Ezio Auditore within the Castra Praetoria.
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The gates of the Castra Praetoria. -
The interior of the Castra Praetoria.
