History Of Executive Protection

A    B R I E F

HISTORY OF

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION

Have you ever wondered where executive protection came from?

How it has developed?

What historical perspectives are to be considered?

It is easy to say that the profession is the second oldest profession known to man, however, it very difficult to decipher where exactly it came to be.

What is known is that the profession precedes past most documented history, making it very difficult to date. Today the profession has morphed into a multi national industry serving private and public sectors through out the globe. Perhaps it was known by different terminologies such as Bodyguards, or bodyguarding, nevertheless executive protection is an ancient profession.

Here are some early notable accounts of ancient Bodyguards or executive protection specialists:

Praetorian Guard

(Late B.C. to 312 A.D.)

A Roman unit designed to protect the headquarters of a legion or personal protection of emperors such as Augustus.

Ancient Japanese Guards

(Approximately late 8TH century to 1945 A.D. )

These guards served for royalty daimyo, Shogun etc.,

During periods of Japanese unrest and rival clans Bodyguard units were formed by most royalty, especially large land owners known as Daimyo. The imperial guard was designed as a bodyguard unit for the emperor during the Meiji restoration period from 1867 AD- 1945 AD. Many martial arts forms where created by the units who protected the executives. 

Swiss Guard

(15th Century to Present day)

Swiss soldiers who served as guards at foreign courts since 15th century, more commonly known for the protection of the Catholic popes. The Swiss guards continue to provide executive protection for the current pope as well as the Vatican. 

These old executive protection services are just a small sample of the different ancient bodyguards from history. Executive protection is a profession as old as written history and possibly predating it. Many aspects of EP has remained the same while some aspects have evolved to suit current needs, nevertheless it is a fascinating and vital service.

The Executive Protection industry has grown to a major multi million dollar industry in the 21st century. It has adapted for centuries, being utilized on all continents by most societies. It is an ever growing and ever changing industry.

The dynamics of executive protection history are far more abyssal than what can be explained in this small text, however, we can come to the conclusion that it is a necessary and crucial role that executives have relied upon from the beginning of history.