PRETORIUM. The Name of Prætorium, is given, in the Gospel, to the House wherein dwelt the Roman Governor of Jerusalem:e ‘Twas there that the Governor sate in his Judicial Capacity, and where Jesus Christ was brought before him. Notwithstanding all the Revolutions that happen’d to Jerusalem, especially during the Siege of Titus; and notwithstanding the Ruine and Desolation of the whole City, after it was taken by the Romans, they pretended to shew Travellers the Prætorium, or the Palace of Pilate, where, afterwards (as they say) a Church was built.
St. Paul speaks also of the Prætorium (or Palace), wherein, being at Rome, he gave Testimony to Jesus Christ: Ita ut vincula mea manifesta fierent in Christo, in omni Prætorio, & in cæteris omnibus. Some think,f that by this Name, he means the Palace of the Emperor Nero. Others will have it to be the Place where the Roman Prætor sate to do Justice, and where he had his Tribunal. It is certain that the Emperor’s Palace did not bear the Name of Tribunal; but St. Paul being accustom’d to call by this Name the Governor’s Palace at Jerusalem, might also give this Name to the Emperor’s Palace at Rome. Others have maintain’d, that under the Name of the Prætorium at Rome, St. Paul would express the Camp of the Pretorian Soldiers, whither this Apostle might have been carry’d by the Soldier that always accompany’d him, and who was fasten’d to him by a Chain, as the Manner was among the Romans.