In 107 B.C. general Gaius Marius recruited volunteers from the poor for the army. Marius promised to give the poor land if they joined the army. The poor viewed being a solider as a profession instead of a duty. These volunteers swore an oath of loyalty to Marius, this lead the general to create a new type of military; a military that was not controlled by the government.
Having a army that was not under government control forced Marius to become more involved with politics, he needed to do this to get laws passed to provide the land the army needed for their veterans. Marius's new military recruitment system placed great power in the hands of individual generals, he left a powerful legacy.
Having a army that was not under government control forced Marius to become more involved with politics, he needed to do this to get laws passed to provide the land the army needed for their veterans. Marius's new military recruitment system placed great power in the hands of individual generals, he left a powerful legacy.
The next general to take advantage of the new system ,Lucius Cornelius Sulla, was given command for the war in Asia Minor. The people of Rome tried to change the position to General Marius, which caused a civil war to break out.
The Roman Army Ranks found in the legion is not a fixed in an exact number. It first contained 3000 soldiers and then increased to 4000-4200 during the Punic Wars.
The Roman Army Ranks found in the legion is not a fixed in an exact number. It first contained 3000 soldiers and then increased to 4000-4200 during the Punic Wars.