Looking at the reformed Roman army, it is amazing to me how significant the
overhaul was. From a military point of view, it transformed an already
effective fighting force into virtual killing machine. Marius' vision was
clearly based from his time fighting in Numidia, where the Roman campaign was
often hindered by certain weaknesses I outlined in earlier posts. It is
fascinating to see each of these addressed, and the army sculpted from an
instrument of defense into a precise tool quite clearly crafted for long
campaigns away from home.
From a social perspective, the consequences are interesting. I have no idea how much Marius intended, and how much simply happened. The removal of the landowning requirement was a brilliant idea, both serving to fill the army and bring him popularity with landowners who no longer were required to go to war abroad. Long term, and my sources are heavy on this, it is clear that the reform led to much of the trouble we find later in Roman history. In later times, we find Roman armies loyal to their general as opposed to the state, dependent on them for land, booty, sustenance, direction.
In all, this was a huge shift not just for the army, but Roman society in general. It saw the rise of the professional fighting force, and with it the power and prominence of its generals. Certainly, a magnificent feat made all the more intriguing by its far-reaching consequences.
(We finish on a high note, with
Caesar leading his legions to glorious victory!)
From a social perspective, the consequences are interesting. I have no idea how much Marius intended, and how much simply happened. The removal of the landowning requirement was a brilliant idea, both serving to fill the army and bring him popularity with landowners who no longer were required to go to war abroad. Long term, and my sources are heavy on this, it is clear that the reform led to much of the trouble we find later in Roman history. In later times, we find Roman armies loyal to their general as opposed to the state, dependent on them for land, booty, sustenance, direction.
In all, this was a huge shift not just for the army, but Roman society in general. It saw the rise of the professional fighting force, and with it the power and prominence of its generals. Certainly, a magnificent feat made all the more intriguing by its far-reaching consequences.
(We finish on a high note, with
Caesar leading his legions to glorious victory!) 
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