5Gaius Marius

This legendary Roman general and statesman single handedly evolved the Roman army into one of the most effective and well-organized fighting bodies the world has ever seen. A cunning tactician, Gaius Marius also held the office of consul an unprecedented seven times in a row. However, he is best known for the changes he brought about to the Roman military legions, dramatic and influential reforms that forever changed the rules of engagement.

At a time when attacks and invasions from barbarian and German tribes posed a huge threat to the entire Roman Republic, he saw the need to increase recruitment which was significantly down because of the strict standards that had been set for potential soldiers. But once Marius took over, men from the provinces could sign up for the army and in time become Roman citizens.

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