The Marian Reforms of Roman Military: The Contributing Cause of the Destruction of the Roman Republic

Abstract

The Marian reformation was a monumental event in the history of the late Roman Republic. It fundamentally changed the military system in the Roman Republic and facilitated the decline of the Republic in the first century BC. This paper will discuss the causes and process of the Marian reforms and examine the means by which the Marian reforms contributed to Romes transition from an aristocratic republic to a military autocracy. It will argue that although the Marian reforms initially intended to improve Romes military prowessby enhancing the armys efficiency and preparing it for wars against its enemiesthe reforms had long-lasting effects on the loyalty, motivations, and social status of soldiers. The reforms made it possible for Roman commanders to use their army for personal political ambitions and led to the emergence of private warlords who led Rome into repeated civil wars.