Title: Biography for Kids: Gaius Marius
Headings: Biography of Gaius Marius
Ancient Rome
Biography of Gaius Marius

Content: Marius soon had a large army ready to fight. Changes to the Roman Army
Marius defeated the barbarian invaders with his new army. He also made several changes to the Roman army to make it stronger. He reorganized the army into cohorts rather than maniples. This made the army more flexible. He also had units that specialized in certain types of fighting and weapons. Other important changes included promoting soldiers to officers from within the ranks, improved weapons, three deep battle lines, and awarding retired soldiers with land. Marius also made the eagle the primary standard of the Roman army. Death
Marius spent the last several years of his life in internal battles with patrician leaders. His main rival was a powerful leader named Sulla.