Marius

Marius was a significant figure in ancient Roman history, known for his role as a military general and politician. He lived from 157 to 86 BCE and is best remembered for reforming the Roman army, allowing the lower classes to enlist and professionalizing the military. His reforms helped create a stronger, more loyal army, which significantly impacted Roman politics and society. Marius served multiple terms as consul and became embroiled in conflicts with his rival, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, leading to a power struggle that influenced the decline of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the rise of imperial Rome.