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C. MARIUS MILITARY REFORMER • Marius began his rise to power in 108 when he commanded troops in Africa against Jugurtha. • As a general he is famous for winning that war and eventually winning other battles against invaders from the north. • As a politician he is much better remembered today for his changes to the military. • Rome (like other ancient cities) had always had a citizen army, a volunteer militia organized for keeping the city safe. • But one also had to own land to be a part of this citizen army; the common worker was only called up in times of desperate need. • Marius made a regular practice of using the proletarii in his army. • Marius not only allowed the common people to enlist in the army, but he changed the army from a temporary service into an occupation, a job for people to professionalize in. • This then becomes Rome’s first professional standing army. • Marius also changed the army’s organization. • Each man would carry his own entrenchment tools. • The army would no longer be divided by class; all enlisted served together in the cohorts of which there were ten in every legion. • The army was largely equalized. • In 107, while fighting the war in Africa, Marius was elected consul. • He was elected again in 105, again still in Africa. • He then held the consul from 104 all the way to 100. No other consul was ever elected five times in a row. • This was also prohibited by the Lex Villia which was later repealed. • During the last year of this streak, a man named Saturnius put forth reforms resembling those of the Gracchi. • These reforms were opposed by the senate, and riots broke out. • Marius, a supporter of these reforms, was ordered to put down the revolt, which he did. • After this event Marius went into retirement in the east. • Marius returned from the east in 87 when civil war broke out under the consulship of Sulla campaigning in Asia. • Marius’ army marched on Rome. • This was the first and far from the last time a Roman army marched against Rome. • This showed clearly what was already beginning to become apparent. These regular soldiers who served under the same commanders throughout their careers were not loyal to the state. They were loyal to their generals. • Marius taught Roman politicians by example that the military could be a power base. • Marius was elected to an th unparalleled 7 consulship for 86, but died a month later.