Présences menaçantes et loyauté absolue: les préfets du prétoire du IIe au Ve siècle

The praetorian prefecture underwent a remarkable ‘metamorphosis’ in its functions between the Principate (first to third centuries) and the Late Empire (fourth to sixth centuries). The original (equestrian) function alongside the emperor of commanding elite troops was transformed into a (senatorial) function of administrative supervision (without any military power) of very large diocesan and provincial districts. This process led to a profound change in the relationship between the praetorian prefects and the Augusti who appointed them: from mutual distrust to absolute loyalty.