Gaius Marius
157 BC - 86 BC
Gaius Marius , a ‘novus homo’ (‘new man’ – first in his family to become a senator), was elected as consul in 107 BC and was given the province of Numidia. Jugurtha, the king of Numidia, had begun a war with Rome in 111 BC but the Senate had done little about it and were criticised by the people. Marius quickly defeated him, although it was his quaestor, Sulla, who had secured the final victory. Sulla, from an old aristocratic family but relatively poor, was annoyed that Marius was getting all the credit for the victory.
Marius had made reforms to the army whilst consul which altered the make-up of his army significantly. Previously, the requirements to become a Roman were very strict: a soldier had to be a member of the fifth census class (the ’adsidui’ – ‘tax payers’) or higher, had to own property worth at least 3,500 sesterces and had to supply own armaments.
Marius opened up the army to the landless class by offering pay. He also arranged for the state to pay for the armour and weaponry. In this way, Marius had created a professional army, and he promised the opportunity to gain war spoils. They were also promised land at retirement after 16 years of service.
Marius also created a standing army and standardised all equipment and training in the army. This mean that drills would take place throughout the year rather than just when an army was required. Furthermore, Marius gave full Roman citizenship to the Italian allies if they completed a period of service in the Roman army.
Large numbers of the poor in Rome became soldiers following these Marian reforms. However, they did not owe their loyalty to the Republic but to the generals who would pay them and supply them with the equipment; they needed. This loyalty became a significant power base for Marius and other generals in the Roman army and would be key to future events in Roman history.
Marius had made reforms to the army whilst consul which altered the make-up of his army significantly. Previously, the requirements to become a Roman were very strict: a soldier had to be a member of the fifth census class (the ’adsidui’ – ‘tax payers’) or higher, had to own property worth at least 3,500 sesterces and had to supply own armaments.
Marius opened up the army to the landless class by offering pay. He also arranged for the state to pay for the armour and weaponry. In this way, Marius had created a professional army, and he promised the opportunity to gain war spoils. They were also promised land at retirement after 16 years of service.
Marius also created a standing army and standardised all equipment and training in the army. This mean that drills would take place throughout the year rather than just when an army was required. Furthermore, Marius gave full Roman citizenship to the Italian allies if they completed a period of service in the Roman army.
Large numbers of the poor in Rome became soldiers following these Marian reforms. However, they did not owe their loyalty to the Republic but to the generals who would pay them and supply them with the equipment; they needed. This loyalty became a significant power base for Marius and other generals in the Roman army and would be key to future events in Roman history.