Marius, Gaius
Marius, Gaius,born c.157 BC near Arpinum, of a family probably of recent equestrian standing (see equites), but with good Roman connections, including Scipio Aemilianus. He served with distinction under Scipio at Numantia and, with his commendation, won a military tribunate by election, perhaps serving under Manius Aquillius in Asia. Quaestor c.123, he was helped to a tribunate by the Metelli (119), but fiercely attacked the consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus Delmaticus when he opposed Marius' law ensuring secrecy of individual votes in the comitia (assembly). Because of this breach of fides (trust) he failed to gain an aedileship, but became (urban) praetor 115, barely securing acquittal on a charge of ambitus (see bribery, Roman). Sent to Further Spain as proconsul, he showed aptitude at guerrilla warfare and added to his fortune. On his return...
[The entire page is 1101 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Oxford University Press Titles
