Gaius Marius

After the death of the brothers Gracchi strained relations not only between rich and poor, but also among the prominent and obscure. Rich, but not belonging to the Roman aristocracy could not count on a high position in the State.

One of those obscure but ambitious people was Gaius Marius. Many years he tried unsuccessfully to become a consul. Finally, when he was about 50 years, the Roman people, indignant failures commanders-patricians, gave consular authorities Maria. He began to win military victories, one after another.

But in the Roman army became restless. Many citizens of Rome so impoverished that they could not go on as before the war, buying weapons at its expense. Then the consul Gaius Marius held military reform. He took in the army of the poor Romans - the proletarians, arming them at state expense. Been identified and life expectancy - 16 years. Thus, the Roman people's militia has become a professional mercenary army. Gradually, order the captain to become more important legionary state authority.

Senators afraid amplification and Mary launched against another commander - Lucie Cornelius Sulla, came from a noble patrician sort. Between them began the rivalry which grew into a civil war.

While in Rome was strife, its allies - Italics revolted and demanded for themselves the equal rights with the Romans. Then Marius and Sulla temporarily reconciled and jointly defeated the army of Italians.

After the death of Mary Sylla force seized power in Rome and made it his sole power - the dictatorship of. Dictator relied on the support of the troops: So Rome became a military monarchy - Empire.

Two years later, Sulla resigned his dictatorial power. But the example was filed. The Army has learned to intervene in civil affairs. Marius and Sulla showed that the sword stronger than the law and that any order can be set and break through force.