Marius' reforms

Marius’ reforms, carried out around 107-100 BCE, transformed the Roman military by allowing non-property-owning citizens to enlist, thus expanding the pool of soldiers. He also reorganized the army into standard units called legions, equipped them with better training and standardized gear, and introduced a system of pensions for veterans. These changes made the army more professional, loyal to their commanders, and better able to defend Rome’s interests, regardless of a soldier’s wealth or social status. Overall, Marius modernized the Roman military, increasing its effectiveness and influencing future military practices.