FREE ESSAY ON INFLUENCE OF MARIUS

INFLUENCE OF MARIUS

Revolutionary Roman
Throughout time, certain individuals have been known as revolutionaries. Some of these
were political, others social, others military. While some excel in one of these realms,
the greatest figures will impact all of these. Marius was the most "revolutionary" of the
individuals that shaped the course of the Roman Revolution, in that his action departed
the most radically from the traditional framework of the Roman mos maiorem and from the
actions of his predecessors. 
One of the grandest impacts Marius had was on the political and social scene. To fully
understand the how remarkable his political career was, one must first consider that he
was born into a poor family of little political esteem. In fact, his family had never
seen a senator elected, and there is little belief that any other significant political
position was held by a relative. At the time, it was very unusual that anyone of such a
background would even consider a political aspiration. This in itself makes Marius's
first political appointment so remarkable. In fact he denounced the traditional social
education of the Greek language and other qualities associated with social standing. In a
strong step in political reform, Marius proposed a bill that effectively limited
aristocratic domination of the electoral process. This strong step certainly did nothing
to endear him to many reputable politicians, but did show his aspiration to change the
political system from its social base. Marius took another unusual step toward political
change, when he successfully sought absentee reelection. As his career continued, so did
his ambition. While he continued to attack conceptions of nobility, he continued to win
election. Even though terms in office generally was considered the informal limit, Marius
continued through the fifth term to a seventh consecutive term. This unprecedented reign
definitely changed the Roman political scene of that time. All the while, he built his
support on the people. Obviously, Marius's devotion to the populous was a key step in the
Roman Revolution. 
The other scene where Marius's influence affected the revolution was the military realm.
However, many of these changes not only affected the military system, but also the
political and social situation. In a dynamic resolution, Marius opened the military
legions to those without land, money, property, or even freedom. Obviously, opportunities
for military service vastly improved the economic opportunities for the impoverished and
social underlings. In addition, Marius demanded even the most socially elite legionnaire
carry his own armor and supplies, rather than rely on a slave or steward. As a result,
the army was forced to operate on a more equal basis, less characterized by social
benefit. Extending even to the senate, Marius defended his actions by degrading his
socially elite but inept contemporaries. In an effort to stress the importance of the
common soldier, Marius even declined a celebration in his honor until the time when all
of his soldiers could join him. This gave the common soldier/citizen a place in society
never before realized. Even more astonishing were his demands to ignore the constitution
and allow full freedom to men of Camerinum for bravery in combat. In effect, anyone
willing to fight for the Roman Empire was shown their just reward, a policy that
revolutionized military systems. Even further, Marius is credited with the establishment
of the first full time, professional army. Through military policy, Marius had an
unequaled effect on the Roman Empire.
In the end, Marius was the most influential revolutionary figure in the Roman Empire.
Through his manipulation of the public and military, he changed that civilization, both
then and even now. He set precedents in military and political realms. All things
considered, no one has equal claim to be the most important revolutionary figure of the
Roman Empire.
Bibliography
Plutarch:The Roman Empire
Plutarch:Mrius