Notable examples include the Spartan Hippeis (300 elite soldiers), Alexander the Great’s Somatophylakes , and the Roman Praetorian Guard , who eventually wielded enough power to influence imperial succession.

Protection evolved through feudal systems with knights and retainers, eventually leading to more organized units like the Medjay in Egypt and the Samurai in Japan.

The profession has existed for millennia, originating with elite units assigned to safeguard monarchs and political leaders.

This paper explores the evolution, roles, and future of the personal protection industry, tracing its journey from ancient royal guards to the sophisticated, intelligence-led "Executive Protection" of today. The Evolution of Personal Protection