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== The social and political impact of the Marian Reforms==
The reforms of Marius did not only change the army they also change Roman society, over the longer term. Marius was a member of the popular party and he was always keen to advance the interests of the common people. Because of his reforms, the poor could join the army for the first time and this provided them with opportunities that allowed them to rise in society. Marius by allowing many Italians to become citizens changed the nature of Rome and it became less of a city-state and rather the capital of Italy. The ability of many Italians to become citizens did much to strengthen Rome over time<ref>Holland, p. 189</ref>. Then Marius by providing retiring soldiers with land from conquered territories did much to strengthen Rome’s control of the provinces. Retired soldiers often formed colonies in newly conquered territories and they strengthened Rome’s hold on newly conquered lands. These colonies also played an important part in the ‘Romanization process’, whereby provincials adopted Roman practices and cultural norms<ref>Goldsworthy, p 213</ref>.
==Impact on the military==
Marius undoubtedly strengthened the army as a fighting force. He ensured that for many centuries that the Roman army would not experience any manpower shortage. His reforms also ensured that the Roman soldier was the most professional and well-trained in the Classical World. The Roman army became a standing army and this meant that Rome could respond to any threat quickly. The Romans always had an army that was well-trained and experienced and this was a critical factor in the expansion of the Empire. However the newly established army was more loyal to their generals than to the Senate and the people of Rome<ref> Holland, p. 189</ref>. The generals of the armies were responsible for providing for the equipment and the retirement bonuses loyalty of the legionnaires. The general would often extend his command to secure the rights and the rewards of his soldiers. The legionary owed more allegiance to his general and commanding officer than to the state. This allowed many generals to take control of legions and to use them for their own purposes. Again, and again, over the last century of the Roman Republic, generals such as Pompey had de-facto control of much of the army. This was very destabilizing. This is evident from the fact that there were a bloody series of civil wars<ref> Julius Caesar, The Civil Wars (London, Penguin Books, 1998), p. 14</ref>. No sooner had the reforms been implemented that an apparently never-ending series of wars took place. The Roman generals became more important in Roman politics and they often used their armies to intimidate the Senate. Commanders such as Sula were able to impose their will on the Roman political system. Increasingly, power shifted from the Roman senatorial class to the commanders in the field. The Roman Republic was in crisis as a result, for many decades. Roman generals often used their forces to further their own political ambitions as was the case with Julius Caesar. The establishment of a standing army led ultimately to the destruction of the Republic. The bloody civil wars were only ended by the creation of the Imperial system under Caesar and his grand-nephew Augustus<ref>Holland, p. 178</ref>.
