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\title{The Effects of Marius's Advancement and Reforms on the Common
people of Rome}
\author{by Marc Horowitz \and for Professor Reiche \\ 21.351 Ancient
World: Rome}
\date{April 6, 1989}
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In his nineteen years in Roman government, Caius Marius did more
damage to the oligarchal Roman system than any other person of his
time or before him.  In his attempts to secure power for himself, he
laid the seeds for the future overthrow of the current system.  For
the first time, common Romans were given rights previously reserved
for the upper classes.  After this taste of power, Rome was never
quite the same.

Marius began his career as a common soldier, under the command of
Scipio Africanus.  Even at this early stage, he was recognized for
exceptional bravery and talent by his superiors.  He quickly moved up
in rank and prestige until it was suggested that he go to Rome to
pursue a career in politics.  

Marius became a tribune and immediately began to show that he was not
a person to be easily manuvered.  When the Senate contested a proposed
law which would lessen the power of the nobles and called on Marius to
explain it, he was not at all daunted.  Rather, he took control of te
situation and threatened to arrest several Senators if they continued
to contest his bill.  At the same time, he stood in agreement with the
Senate against a bill which provided for distribution of food to the
people.  In his first year as tribune, Marius succeeded in gaining the
respect and support of both the nobles and the common class of Rome.


