Latin U5: Precursors to Julius Caesar

Gracchus Brothers

Gaius and Tiberius, influential Roman "tribunes."

Tribune of the Plebs

Elected officials representing common people's interests.

Popularis Politics

Patricians appealing to the common man for power, invented by Gracchus brothers.

Marius

Military leader who reformed the Roman army, very common amongst the common ppl.

Cimbrian War

Conflict between Rome and Germanic tribes, Rome doing really badly until Marius helps!

1st Mithridatic War

Series of conflicts against Mithridates, Sulla originally chosen by senate to defeat him but Marius tries to take this role.

Lucius Cornelius Sulla

Conservative patrician and military leader, disliked Marius.

Gaius Julius Caesar

Rising political figure, supporter of Marius.

Sulla's Dictatorship

Sulla's rule marked by traditionalism, reforms, and being opps with Marius.

Marian Faction

Supporters of Marius during the civil conflict.

Military Loyalty Shift

Soldiers' allegiance shifted from Rome to generals.

Marius vs. Sulla

Marius convinces a tribune to appoint Marius for general, Sulla doesn't like this and marches his army into Rome. Marius tries to assemble an army of gladiators to fight back but it doesn't work, so he runs away.

How does Marius come back?

After being made an enemy of the state by Sulla, Marius comes back while Sulla is out of Rome and becomes consul. He dies right after though due to sickness, and Sulla becomes dictator!