The New Zealand Protective Security Requirements (PSR) provide a comprehensive framework for effective security risk management in modern organisations. While the PSR is designed for contemporary security practices, it is intriguing to delve into the historical context and examine how its principles align with security measures in Ancient Rome. In this blog, we will embark on an exploration of the relevance of the NZ PSR's 20 mandatory requirements in the context of Ancient Rome, uncovering parallels and drawing valuable lessons from the ancient civilisation's security practices.

Risk Assessment and Management

The NZ PSR places significant emphasis on the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate security risks. In the context of Ancient Rome, a similar approach can be observed through the appointment of praetorian guards. These skilled and experienced individuals were responsible for assessing potential threats to the empire, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing appropriate measures to protect key individuals and important infrastructure. This proactive risk management approach aligns with modern practices, highlighting the need to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

The praetorian guards were selected from the most capable and loyal soldiers within the Roman military. They possessed exceptional training and expertise in identifying and assessing potential risks. Their responsibilities included assessing the loyalty of soldiers, monitoring potential conspiracies, and ensuring the protection of the emperor and other high-ranking officials. They conducted risk assessments by gathering intelligence, analysing potential threats, and implementing strategies to mitigate them. This ancient risk assessment approach shares similarities with the modern-day practices outlined in the NZ PSR.

Security Governance and Leadership

Another critical aspect of the NZ PSR is the focus on security governance and leadership. Effective governance and leadership are vital in establishing a culture of security within an organisation. In Ancient Rome, the Senate played a pivotal role in governing and implementing security measures. They developed and enforced legislation, appointed officials responsible for security matters, and maintained a keen interest in ensuring the safety and stability of the empire. This historical parallel highlights the importance of strong leadership and effective governance structures in enforcing security protocols and fostering a security-conscious environment.

The Roman Senate held significant authority and was responsible for the overall governance of the empire. They established laws and regulations to maintain public order and security. They also appointed officials such as the praetors and the praetorian prefects, who were entrusted with enforcing these laws and overseeing security matters. The praetorian prefects, in particular, held considerable power and were responsible for managing the praetorian guards and implementing security measures. Their leadership played a crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of Ancient Rome, aligning with the principles outlined in the NZ PSR. 

Physical Security Measures

Physical security measures play a fundamental role in protecting assets and individuals. The NZ PSR outlines the significance of secure perimeters, access controls, and surveillance systems to safeguard critical infrastructure. In Ancient Rome, physical security measures were also of paramount importance. The construction of fortifications, such as the Aurelian Walls, served as a robust defence against external threats. These walls surrounded the city of Rome, providing a secure barrier against potential invaders. Additionally, the establishment of military camps and strategic positioning of troops further exemplify the ancient Romans' focus on physical security. These parallels reinforce the relevance of physical security measures in both ancient and modern contexts.

The construction of the Aurelian Walls during the reign of Emperor Aurelian in the third century AD demonstrates the ancient Romans' commitment to physical security. The walls were built to protect the city of Rome from external threats and invasion. They spanned a length of approximately 19 kilometres, encircling the city and serving as a formidable defence system. The walls featured watchtowers, gates with controlled access, and defensive structures, creating a secure perimeter for the city. The Roman military was also responsible for establishing military camps, strategically positioning troops in key areas to deter potential attacks. These physical security measures employed by Ancient Rome parallel the principles outlined in the NZ PSR.

Personnel Security

The NZ PSR stresses the significance of personnel security, including background checks, vetting, and security clearances, to prevent insider threats. Similarly, Ancient Rome employed personnel security measures to ensure the loyalty and trustworthiness of those entrusted with sensitive information or the protection of key individuals. The Praetorian Guard, a dedicated force responsible for protecting the emperor, exemplified this approach. The rigorous selection process, ongoing vetting, and continuous monitoring of the Praetorian Guard emphasised the importance of personnel security practices in Ancient Rome, aligning with the principles outlined in the NZ PSR.

The Praetorian Guard, established by Emperor Augustus, consisted of elite soldiers chosen from the most loyal and skilled troops in the Roman military. They were tasked with protecting the emperor and his family, as well as maintaining order within the empire. The selection process for joining the Praetorian Guard was rigorous and involved thorough background checks and vetting to ensure loyalty and trustworthiness. Members of the guard underwent constant training and were subject to strict discipline and codes of conduct. Their loyalty was directly to the emperor, ensuring that their actions were aligned with the security interests of the empire. These personnel security measures employed by the Ancient Romans mirror the modern practices emphasised in the NZ PSR.

Emergency Management and Incident Response

The NZ PSR emphasises the need for effective emergency management and incident response procedures to minimise the impact of security incidents. In the context of Ancient Rome, the civilisation had a well-structured system to handle emergencies. This included specialised fire brigades, law enforcement, and a disciplined military. These forces were trained to respond swiftly and effectively to security incidents, such as fires, civil unrest, or external attacks. The relevance lies in the importance of developing comprehensive incident response plans, conducting drills, and coordinating resources efficiently to mitigate risks and respond promptly to security incidents.

In Ancient Rome, the Vigiles were a dedicated force responsible for firefighting and maintaining public safety. They were organised into cohorts, each responsible for patrolling a specific region of the city. The Vigiles were equipped with firefighting equipment and were trained to respond to emergencies swiftly. Additionally, the Roman military had a well-established system to handle incidents of civil unrest and external threats. The military forces were organised into legions and had strategic reserves ready to be deployed when needed. These emergency management and incident response measures employed by Ancient Rome align with the principles emphasised in the NZ PSR.

Security Awareness and Training

The NZ PSR highlights the role of security awareness and training programs in creating a security-conscious culture within organisations. Similarly, Ancient Rome placed great emphasis on discipline and training, particularly within its military ranks. Roman soldiers underwent rigorous training regimens to ensure they were well-prepared for combat and aware of the security protocols in place. The military training focused on building physical strength, combat skills, and discipline. This training fostered a culture of security awareness among the soldiers, ensuring that they understood the importance of following security protocols and adhering to strict codes of conduct.

The training of Roman soldiers began at a young age and involved physical conditioning, weapon mastery, and tactical training. This comprehensive training regimen equipped the soldiers with the skills necessary to protect themselves, their comrades, and the empire. Additionally, the military hierarchy emphasised discipline and obedience to commands, ensuring that security protocols were followed diligently. The rigorous training and focus on security awareness in Ancient Rome parallel the principles outlined in the NZ PSR.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, while the New Zealand Protective Security Requirements (PSR) were developed for modern security practices, it is intriguing to explore their relevance in the context of Ancient Rome. The principles of risk assessment, security governance, physical security measures, personnel security, emergency management, and security awareness align with the security practices observed in an ancient civilisation that prioritised the safety and stability of its empire.

By drawing lessons from Ancient Rome, we can gain valuable insights into the timeless nature of security principles and adapt them to modern security frameworks. This comparison emphasises the importance of incorporating historical perspectives when developing and implementing contemporary security strategies, enabling us to learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we can apply the lessons learned from Ancient Rome to enhance our security practices and better protect our organisations and assets.

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