Unidentified portrait, the so-called Marius

myminifactory

Gaius Marius was a Roman general and statesman who served as consul an unprecedented seven times during his illustrious career. A true visionary, he spearheaded significant reforms in the Roman armies, paving the way for landless citizens to join the military ranks. By abolishing the outdated manipular formations, Marius ushered in a new era of organization within the legions, dividing them into separate cohorts that would become the backbone of Rome's military might. His remarkable victories against the invading Germanic tribes - the Teutones, Ambrones, and Cimbri - earned him the esteemed title of "the third founder of Rome." This monumental achievement played a pivotal role in shaping Rome's transformation from Republic to Empire.