Marius

Gaius Marius (158/157-86 BC) has a major transformational impact on the
history of the late Roman Republic. Although none of his ancestors had
been a member of the Senate, he managed to reach the consulship on seven
occasions, and was responsible for a series of major military
victories, notably against King Jugurtha in North Africa and the Teutons
and the Cimbrians in Southern Gaul and Northern Italy. Much of his
internal political agenda, however, was highly controversial. His reform
of the army recruitment system was regarded by some (perhaps with undue
emphasis) as a crucial factor in the downfall of the Roman Republic.
The final years of his life witnessed his exile, his return to Rome at
the head of an armed force, and his comeback to power, shortly followed
by his sudden death.
This volume provides an account of the life and
career of Gaius Marius, sets his achievements and failures within the
wider context of the decline of the Roman Republic, and discusses his
political legacy in the following decades. It also provides an
assessment of the main modern interpretations of the man and his
policies.