Imperial German Bodyguard

• The Imperial German Bodyguard was the personal Imperial Bodyguard unit of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, starting with Julius Caesar and ending with Nero.
• The Imperial German Bodyguard was known as the Germani Corpores Custodes and were the same as the Imperial Horse Guard.

Origin of the Imperial Horse Guard

• Most were recruited from the Rhine Delta, consisting mostly of the Batavi, but they also came from the Frisii, the Ubii and the Baetasii.
• As they were not from Rome or Italia, they had no political or family ties, and were therefore considered to be completely loyal to the Roman Emperor.

68 CE Abolition and Reconstitution

• The Bodyguard was abolished by Galba in 68 CE, who feared their loyalty to Nero (54-68 CE) and accused them of being neglectful in protecting Nero.
• This upset the whole Tribe of the Batavi, and led directly to the serious Batavian Revolt in 69 CE.
• After 68 CE, they were briefly disbanded then reformed as the ‘Speculatores Augusti’ (68 – 98 CE).
• After 98 CE, they were reformed as the ‘Equites Singulares Augusti’ (98-312 CE).