Marius Ancient History

Novus Homo

First in family to enter politics which made harder to gain acceptance from Paricians

When was Marius born

157 BCE

Who did Marius serve

Scipio Aemilianus 134 BCE Numantia

Which family supported him

Metelli family

What was Lexi Maria

A law created by Marius to reduce wealthy interference in elections

What role did Marius gain in 120 BCE

Tribune of Plebs

Why was Marius’ marriage important

Political alliance with Julian family gave him a name (Julia Caear)

How did Marius gain popularity during the Jugurthine War

Indulged the troops under his command and shared in their hardships, Equites promised peace if he took command – Trade. Promised Gauda the throne of Numidia if he became consul

How did Marius get command of the war

The people overruled the Senate and gave him command

Why was this command significant

Showed growing power of the people over the Senate

Who did Marius recruit into the army

Poor citizens without property

What was a key result of Marius’ army reforms

Creation of a professional army

What are client armies

Armies loyal to their general rather than the state

Why were these reforms important

Led to future civil wars due to personal loyalty to generals

Who was Sulla

Marius’ quaestor and rival

What caused tension between Marius and Sulla

Sulla captured Jugurtha, gaining credit prestige

Why was Marius repeatedly elected consul

Rome ws threatened by Germanic tribes

What was unusual about his consulships

Elected multiple times (usually only elected once for a year)

What was Marius seen as after these victories

Saviour of Rome

How many times was Marius consul

7

What law did his consulships violate

Lex Villia Annalis

Name one reform they introduced

Cheap grain, land for veterans, or equites control of courts

How were their laws passed

Violence and intimidation

Who were Marius’ key allies

Saturnius and Glaucia

What was the Senate Consultum Ultimum

Emergency decree giving consuls power to restore order

What happened to Saturninus and Glaucia

Arrested and killed by a mob

Why did Marius turn on his allies

Regain support from Senate

How did Marius change Roman politics?

Increased power of the people over the Senate.

How did Marius change the army?

Made it professional and loyal to generals.

Why is Marius important for later history?

Set precedent for powerful individuals like Pompey and Caesar.

Biggest long-term impact of Marius?

Army reforms → loyalty to generals.

Main political conflict in Marius’ career?

Senate (Optimates) vs People (Populares).

Key rivalry to remember?

Marius vs Sulla

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