Gaius Marius (157–86 BCE) Flashcards
Where was Gaius Marius born?
Marius was born in Arpinum, a small village in central Italy.
How many times was Gaius Marius elected consul?
Marius was elected consul seven times.
What class did Marius come from?
Marius came from the equites class (Roman middle class).
Who did Marius defeat in the Cimbrian War?
Marius defeated the Germanic tribes: the Cimbri and Teutones.
Which significant military reform is Marius known for?
Marius reformed the Roman military by recruiting landless citizens, creating a professional standing army.
What was the political faction Marius aligned with?
Marius aligned with the populares, reformers in Roman politics.
Who was Gaius Marius’ main political rival?
Marius’ main rival was Lucius Cornelius Sulla.
How did Marius’ reforms change the Roman army?
Marius made the Roman army a professional standing force by recruiting soldiers from the landless poor.
Fill in the blank: Marius’ military reform created an army that was loyal to _____ instead of the Senate.
their generals
What were the two major threats Marius faced in his military career?
Marius faced threats from the Cimbri and Teutones tribes.
Fill in the blank: Marius’ soldiers were nicknamed ______ due to their toughness and self-reliance.
Marius’ Mules
What nickname did Marius earn after defeating the Germanic tribes?
Marius was called ‘The Third Founder of Rome.’
What was the historical significance of Marius’ military reforms?
Marius’ reforms professionalized the army and shifted loyalty from the state to individual generals, influencing the fall of the Roman Republic.
Who did Marius marry to connect with a powerful Roman family?
Marius married Julia, the aunt of Julius Caesar.
What innovation did Marius introduce to Roman military equipment?
Marius introduced the redesigned pilum, a javelin that bent on impact to prevent reuse by enemies.
