What was the name of the household troops that served as bodyguards and escorts for Roman emperors?

The Praetorian Guard was a prestigious and elite unit of the Roman army established to protect the Roman emperors. These troops served as personal bodyguards and were often involved in significant political events, including the selection, protection, and even the removal of emperors. Their loyalty was crucial, and they played a significant role in maintaining the stability of the royal household and the broader Roman Empire. The Praetorian Guard became notorious for their power and influence within Roman society, sometimes even engaging in political machinations and power struggles.

In contrast, legionnaires were regular soldiers of the Roman legions and did not have the specific role of guarding emperors. Centurions were the commanding officers of a century, which was a subunit of a legion, and while important, they did not serve as bodyguards. Guardsmen is a generic term that could refer to any military personnel tasked with guarding, but it is not specific to the Roman context or the unit responsible for the emperor's protection. The distinct role of the Praetorian Guard sets it apart as the correct choice in this context.