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

Content: 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. At one point Marius had to flee Rome in order to escape being executed by Sulla. Marius did return, however, and had just regained his power in Rome when he died of a fever in 86 BC. Interesting Facts About Gaius Marius
His changes to the army altered the future of Rome. Professional soldiers were more likely to be loyal to their general than to the Roman state. Marius' wife Julia was the aunt of Julius Caesar.