Marian Reforms and their Military Effects DOCUMENTARY
The first 500 people to click my link will get two months of Skillshare Premium for FREE! skl.sh/kingsandgenerals3
By the end of the II century BC, Rome became the dominant state in the Mediterranean, defeating Carthage, Macedon and the Seleucids, yet the internal problems and the arrival of the Germanic Cimbri showed that the victorious Roman legions are in need of a reform. Although some of the changes were started to be implemented previously, it was the new brilliant general - Gaius Marius, who reformed the legions, changing almost all aspects of their fighting and paving the way to more conquests. Unfortunately, for the Republic, this military reform would have a long-standing effect on the political life and would make the likes of Sulla, Caesar, Pompey, and others very powerful
For more Roman battles: • Ancient Battles
Check out this playlist to learn more about Ancient warfare: goo.gl/UpuKku
Support us on Patreon: / kingsandgenerals or Paypal: paypal.me/kingsandgenerals
Check out our Merch Store: teespring.com/stores/kingsand...
We are grateful to our patrons and youtube members, who made this video possible: drive.google.com/open?id=1Tff...
The video was made by our friend Cogito, while the script was researched and written by Matt Hollis
This video was narrated by Officially Devin ( / @offydgg & / @gameworldnarratives )
Machinimas for the video made on the Total War: Rome 2 Engine by Malay Archer ( / mathemedicupdates )
✔ Merch store ► teespring.com/stores/kingsand...
✔ Patreon ► / kingsandgenerals
✔ PayPal ► paypal.me/kingsandgenerals
✔ Twitch ► / nurrrik_phoenix
✔ Twitter ► / kingsgenerals
✔ Facebook ► / kingsgenerals
✔ Instagram ► / kings_generals
Sources:
Christopher Anthony Matthew - On the Wings of Eagles: The Reforms of Gaius Marius and the Creation of Rome's First Professional Soldiers
Michael Gambino - The Military Reforms of Gaius Marius in their Social, Economic, and Political Context
Patricia Southern - The Roman Army
Adrian Goldsworthy- The Complete Roman Army
Osprey - Armies of the Carthaginian Wars
Osprey - Roman Battle Tactics 390-110BC
Polybius
Livy
Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com
#Documentary #Rome #Legion
Sulla once said that he "saw many Mariuses in Caesar", so getting 1 Caesar t-shirt is like getting many Marius t-shirts: bit.ly/2RW5iMS Please, don't buy our merchandise, if you can't afford it and only buy, if you are using your own money.
This comment is too good. It's going to destroy the Republic.
@Mr Seboss on a related note a video about Roman winter gear would be awesome
I wonder if Caesar learned any organisation or leadership skills from his Uncle Marius?
Reading this with the narration voice is pure gold.
Ottoman Battels pleas
Marian was also the uncle of Julius Caesar and fought in Africa against the Numidians.Historians often forget to mention that this helped Caesar defeat the Pompeian army in 47 B.E. in Africa because many cities still had strong feelings for Marian's family. Eventually, the army of Cato would be defeated and one year later, after a brief fight in Hispania against Gnaius Pompeius (the son of), the civil war was over...
Thats so cool, I just finished watching Historia Civilis' video on this.
Belonging to MARIUS (the man), therefore MARIAN. Thus the reforms of MARIUS are called MARIAN. The man himself is always called MARIUS and never MARIAN.
I like how he used total war games for some visual aid. I'm a big fan of total war so I appreciate it.
Thank you for watching!
I was always furious when the Marian reforms took place in Rome Total War, and my beloved Triarii units became obsolete. =((( Thanks for helping me understand why this happened, 16 years later haha.
but beating up the julii and scippii with fresh legions againts their doomstack like hastii was good then feeding their generals to the dogs was great
Triarii will always be my favorite unit. Sucks that you need a level 4 barracks to get them. Even when you get them, most likely it’ll be your capital cities or other capitals of other factions (assuming they also have the equivalent barrack)
@@jessegordian2498 hell, i tax the shit out of my plebs so in my campaigns i usually hit the reforms before i even have a city large enough to go tier 4
I never used triari, were too expensive...was cheaper to use principes , and hastati for most roles...and town watch to take on cavalry lol. Mercs did everything else.
@@abcdedfg8340 Triarii was shit from my memory, no point in using them
But can Skillshare teach me how to bathe in the blood of my enemies and drive the barbaric horde from the gates of Rome?
perhaps in two different courses
But maybe Skillshare will teach you how to use more reliable sources than wikipedia... Like this: "Modern historians have often assumed that Gaius Marius introduced wide ranging and long - lasting reforms that greatly transformed the Roman army and had a profound impact on Roman politics as well. The so - called Marian reforms supposedly involved both tactical innovations and significant reorganization of military recruitment and financing. These included: the elimination of the Roman cavalry (to be replaced entirely by foreign auxiliary cavalry), the disbandment of light - armed troops and the standardization of the weapons and kit of heavy infantry, the reorganization of legions into cohorts (replacing the earlier, manipular structure), and perhaps most significantly, the recruitment of landless soldiers who previously would not have met minimum property qualifications. These new recruits would be mostly volunteers and receive grants of land upon release. Lastly, it is often assumed that these reforms were permanent. Thus, according to the communis opinio, Marius permanently transformed the Roman military into a professional army that was mostly composed of landless citizens equipped uniformly. Yet, despite the widespread acceptance of this view, there is actually very little evidence for the Marian Reforms." - François Gauthier, The Changing Composition of the Roman Army in the Late Republic and the So-Called Marian-Reforms.
you should´ve studied the blade for that
He might not had a revolution in mind, but the outcome was positive.
Reign in bloooood, from a lacerated skyyyyyy
Mods used in this video: -Divide et Impera -Celticus' Marian Romans HD (WIP) -Petellius' Particle enhanced -GEMFX Best wishes, Malay Archer
Divide et Impera is the dankest mod imo
Oddish Yeah, I couldnt continue my campaign without it.
@@MalayArcher So, you're a Malaysian ey
Malay Archer So you're a archer, ey?
D.E.I.!!
Extra trivia: Marius was also responsible for the redesign of the Roman shield into the rectangular tower shields people associate with the Legion today. Prior to this, Roman shields were actually oval. Marius found that this was not conducive for being slung on the back on the march as the tips of the oval would bang the legionnaire on the back of the neck and the back of the ankles. Marius thus ordered the tips of the ovals to be removed for the next gen of shields resulting in the tower shields we associate with Roman infantry from then on until the empire's fall.
Marius was an hugely important figure in Roman history as his complete overhaul of the army shows. Whenever Rome's very existence was threatened someone like Marius would invariably come along to right the ship so to speak. He wasn't related to Caesar by blood but by marriage, he was married to the sister of Caesar's father (Julia). When Julia died, Caesar's political career was in its infancy but he took the bold and potentially dangerous step of celebrating Marius's memory as well when he conducted her funeral. Sulla was right, there was indeed a lot of Marius in the young Caesar. Thanks for your wonderful efforts.
last part sound so wrong ahhahha
That rhetoric in his eulogy for his aunt that he presented in front of half of Rome in 68 BCE was legendary and set off his controversial political career. "...our stock therefore has at once the sanctity of kings, whose power is supreme among mortal men, and the claim to reverence which attaches to the gods, who hold sway over kings themselves." He knew exactly what he was doing 20 years before he marched on Rome. I like to think that when he was considering what to do, he thought of how the average Roman fawned over that speech.
Except it's now increasingly thought that the Marian Reforms were actually not a thing, and he actually did very little. Knowledge moves forward
@@sensoukami This ludicrous comment doesn't deserve a reply because it is hard to believe anyone could be so stupid. The Roman Republic was in dire straits circa 105BC, suffering a series of shattering defeats at the hands of the Teutons and Cimbri, culminating in the Battle of Arausio (?) perhaps the worst defeat Rome ever suffered. Rome was only saved because the tribes decided to invade Spain and Gaul, the Roman Senate appointed Marius as Dictator and he had 2 years to totally reorganize and prepare the Roman Army for their inevitable return. He waited for the Teutons in southern Gaul , got his troops to excavate a large canal and then defeated the Teutons at Aquae Sextiae. He linked up with the other consul the following year in the Po Valley and defeated the Cimbri at Vercellae. Interestingly, he sent Caesar's father to Rome to announce that victory.
@@sensoukami Yeah he did very little. He only was consul seven times. Nothing of importance, obviously.
Gotta give it to Marius, he did a LOT in a very short amount of time. He's basically Rome's version of Phillip II. Can't wait to see more videos of his career :D
I have 25years service,it s ok for me 😁
In italian we call them "I Muli di Mario"...the Mules of Mario, because his soldiers were not only fighters, but also engineers, sappers, builders and so on. The legionnaire myth starts from here.
It is stated in the video
probably also plumbers as well
What is the legionnaire myth if I may ask?
Legionaries were essentially both frontline heavy infantry, as well as their own engineering corps.
@@Elador1000 maybe he really meant to say legionnaire legend? Either way, he is right. Most people look at Roman legionaries as some of the fiercest soldiers of all time, but they were also great engineers. Using their incredible organization, legionnaires built the famed Roman road system as an example.
" Service Guarantees Citizenship , Would like to know more" ~ Marian
Si señor Mario
I'm from Naples and I say kill them all!
The only good Gaul is a dead Gaul
10:25 Cavalryman in the right bottom corner falls off his horse, then glitches back onto it.
That's just Legolas, he's like that.
@@CogitoEdu hahaha good one :)
a mere ruse, to confuse the enemy
@@Enrico_Palazzo_opera_singer All warfare is based on deception. -Sun Tzu
*Gets knocked off horse only to float back up onto it* "Nice try, you made me use 10% of my power!"
Just when I thought I learned everything there was to learn about the Marian reforms, I learned that the eagle was chosen over 4 other animals to represent the legions power. That's amazing.
IKR they could have chosen the fucking Minotaur but nah they chose an eagle. History would've changed and the symbol of freedom might not be the eagle but the Minotaur.
@@Blace0225 What possesses you to think an eagle is symbolic of freedom? American tradition? That's a blink of an eye for history. Eagles as icons have been used far longer and by far more, appearing a lot in heraldry even outside the HRE. Even in the contemporary the Bundesadler is derived from the Reichsadler and that from Rome. It's a symbol of might and authority, not modern ideals.
@@eazyv2069 america chose the eagle as our symbol because the founding fathers based the system of government heavily off of the Roman republic. Due to this eagle became the national bird (that and of course our native bald eagle which we chose specifically) and thus then became the symbol of "freedom". What he was saying was if the Romans had instead chosen the minotar then the founding fathers may have copied that as well
@@azraelseraph9966 It only becomes a symbol of freedom if you're both retroactive and American-centric. For everyone else, we've had eagle heraldries in Europe for far longer and their strongest associations aren't with America.
@@eazyv2069 I completely understand that, what I was getting at is If they had used the minotar America may have copied that as well instead of the eagle, considering 90% of the government was inspired by rome
6:22 "Contubernium" meant "squadron of soldiers living on the same tent", and after the fall of Rome it has been used for people reuniting (or plotting).
Never heard about the second instance. Interesting!
@@KingsandGenerals For example in Spain the francoist propaganda called "Munich Contubernium" to the congress made in 1962 between Spanish democrats in the city of Munich. In Spanish: es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contubernio_de_Múnich
Curiously, a "contubernium", with its same meaning of "tent together" was also a weird kind of "mock marriage" between two slaves, or between a master and a slave. It was somewhat important to determine the paternity of slave children born of female servants, which could influence their value on the market or their inheritance, if they ever became free. So this method of "official" union was devised, since slaves couldn't be part of a "matrimonium". It became more relevant with the advent of Christianity, because leaving slaves to just mate at random like beasts was seen as hypocritical, unethical, unchristian. It was more appropriate to pair them up. Similarly, there are instances of masters (in the late christianized empire) deeming it inappropriate to separate "families" of slaves. "Families" which had their base in this "contubernium".
So,..."contubernium advocato est contubernium" ?
Also Contubernium in Greek is Σπείρα which means a team or a gang and you commonly hear it, in the news for example for criminal gangs "Σπείρα Κακοποιών".
I'm so surprised that the wolf didn't become the emblem of the Roman army considering that same animal played a crucial role in the story of the founding of Rome where Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf.
The eagle clutching the lightning bolt was first a symbol of Jupiter, their most powerful god during the Republic. Mithras would come along to share in, and exceed Jupiter in veneration among the legions, but by that time the eagle will have long been a sacred symbol to the legions.
There are some notable mistakes here. 1: The Germans. This is arguably the most deeply entrenched myth of Marius. He did NOT reorganize the army as a result of the Germans. Marius' "reforms" actually took place in 107 BC when he was given command of the war against Jugurtha. Marius was not allowed to raise a new army for the war, but to seek replacements instead. To do this, he broke with the traditional recruitment pattern and sought men as volunteers from outside the normal manpower pool. When Marius took command of the war against the Germans, he disbanded his African army (Made from a mixture of his new volunteers and men raised in more traditional manners) and assumed command of the army of Publius Rutilius Rufus, as he considered them better trained and disciplined. Rufus had raised this army after news from the disaster at Arausio reached him, and brought in gladiatorial drill instructors to train his Legionaries. 2: A Standing Army. The Roman army of the Late Republic is best described as a semi-professional army. Legionaries did not have a fixed service time, and it was common for troops to be disbanded in short order after a campaign similar to previous times, though more and more men did also serve longer as professional soldiers and the army was certainly more permanent in nature now. The old Manipular system and the newer "Marian" army may have even existed side by side for some time, before the Legion organized around Cohorts became the norm. 3: Gaps In The Line. The Triplex Acies used by the Cohortal Legion still had wide intervals in it, and was arranged like a checkerboard. The first line had four Cohorts, while the next two had three. The Cohorts were not stacked directly behind one another, and as before gaps would remain even in battle with the formation. In the Triplex Acies, Roman units were meant to reinforce one another through the gaps in the battleline, not rotate between them. The Cohort was not a better tactical unit because it condensed the men more tightly together. 4: Smaller Things. The Romans did not suffer repeated defeats at the hands of the Gauls and Germans because the latter had better cavalry as is stated at one point, that simply never happened. The Pilum, while it could bend as recorded by Caesar, was not made from flimsy metal that just bent when it hit anything. It was entirely acceptable after all to use the Pilum as a close quarters weapon, as Caesar's Legions did at Pharsalus, 48 BC, and as Antony's Legions did against the Parthians in 36 BC, and in neither of these or future cases was this made harder by the Pilum bending. Legionaries at the time also did not wear greaves, or if so it wasn't as universal as depicted here. The Altar of Domitius Ahenobarbus depicts Legionaries from this period, and none of them wear greaves. And these would be the most glaring errors at least. You might imagine I'm hating on the video if your reading this, but I'm not. Huge respects to Kings And Generals for their hard work on the page! However, mistakes are mistakes, and it is always good to correct them. I don't of course mean disrespect here or to discourage them from continuing what you do, just constructive criticism :) Roma Aeterna Est!
Took the words out my mouth. I assume that means they will be ignoring the reforms made by Octavian which is why I don't care that much about them putting Marian era troops in lorica laminata/segmentata. Perfection is impossible for a channel that wishes to make videos going in to the history of every region of the world in every and all eras. Still, they do pretty well.
Very informative, thank you. 😊
I'd just like to point out that in terms of point 4a, serious setbacks =/= defeats, and they definitely suffered for a lack of quality cavalry in plenty of battles after having gained victory over the other Latins as well as the etruscans. The only specific example coming to mind of this would be Cannae, where the roman cavalry was entirely outmatched and eliminated from the equation, contributing quite a bit to get the outcome we got.
Also the information about how pila were employed was a little off the mark. The shank of the pilum bent due to the hard tip, it's softness, length, and momentum when thrown and hitting it's target. The added bonuses were that an enemy often could not throw it back and if impaled in a shield would render the shield useless.
I agree, I put some sources to support some of your point in this comment: kzhead.info/sun/iK2Lg8OIhJeMiZE/bejne.html&lc=UgxIG_ukRbpZlL7xO6N4AaABAg
RIP Velites, we'll miss you poor furry bastards.
The wolves of Europe got a break at least, they were not killed anymore to make furry hats for the velites !
Marian reforms is a classic example of revolutionary military thinking. Great video.
Revolutionary? In Rome? Hardly. More like someone with his back to the wall needing to recruit soldiers which he could not according to the old property lots. As to the organisation, it was just common sense. Have you ever been at work in an organisation that is loaded with half-arsed managers who think they know loads but you, as a practical person knowing what is wrong, because you have to function within its limits on a daily basis, given the power, would reform in a blink. For example you might easily notice that your company is top-heavy and it is not a bunch of managers straight out of educational establishments that you need more of, but better delivery systems which are crying for common sense reforms. And all workers in your position would know it because they would be swearing about it every day of each week. Then, the company is taken over by a rival, three quarters of the managers end being fired and the delivery system is revamped and you say to yourself: I could have done that myself, so obvious. That is what Marius did, the obvious.
I like how Marius equipped his soldiers with Kings and Generals t-shirts 9:12. The most underrated reform.
From Barbaric Warbands to Greek style Hoplites, from Greek style Hoplites to Camillius style Legions, from Camillius style Legions to Marian Style Legions. The Roman army are somewhat similar to the German armies since 18th century until 20th century, they take what ever is necessary from the neighbours in order to evolve to counter the threats. Necessities is the mother of all inventions. （窮則變、變則通）
Grand Moff Tarkin, the Romans combined versatility and adaptability with robust training.
and the heavy cavalry cataphracts from the persians in the late roman and byzantine army . romans adapted to any new developement , this is why they last form 2200 years from romulus to constantin paleologos
And we germans laugh about whole europe xD Man you are all poor as fuck
@@Messiah114 Why? The Germans had a highly efficient Military since the Prussian Reforms after they got defeated by Napoleon. They were masters of logistic, thank to the railroads (like the Roman Roads), this was the reason why they won the Franco-Prussian War. If you compare Romes Army to one Nation then its Germany or Prussia. There was no Army which could match the Discipline or efficiency of the Roman Army except the Prussian German Army.
@@mich722 Were are you from?
Marius was a military genius.His reforms basically converted a citizen army into a frightening,fully professional killing machine. Was often referred to as "the third founder of Rome."
His actions during the Cimbrian War proved his talent.
The first and second being Romulus and Remus?
Feynstein 100 Romulus, and Junius Brutus, founder of the Republic, who ended the much earlier kingships.
@James Njuguna Ah okay. Thanks for the info.
Feynstein 100 I’m just messing with you... yes Romulus and Remus, and then Marius. People forget Brutus, but I count him over Remus.
The Marian Reforms AKA the Roman Skillshare..
underrated comment...
I believe Marius also redesigned the shield to its perpendicular shape, versus oval previously as part of the "carry your own gear" improvements, so that the shield would not hit the soldier in the back of the legs when marching with it on his back. Great video!
The shield was carried on the left arm not the back. To this day we cannot understand why the Romans carried their shields on their arms instead of consigning them to the pack animals. Informed sources have it that the Romans wanted to be able to fight at any instant on their march should the contingency arise.
When you talked about the logistics of the legion and why so many non-combatants were needed. It reminded me of a War College saying. “A mobile and offensive fighting force can only maintain its offensive status only if the the 3 B’s are maintained. The 3 B’s are Beans, bullets and Bandages.
Napoleon: An army marches on its stomach.
Hello! It’s a me Mariu!
shit that's good
Hellooooo back!! It's enoooooooo!
Video is excellent, provides a very decent summary of the Marian reforms, and the animations are top notch as usual for your videos, but it is far from perfect. The little imperfections that exist are actually grating to me, like the graphic design you have for Marius' soldiers wearing anachronistic lorica segmentata armor that didn't exist until the 1st century AD, more than a hundred years after the Marian reforms. Soldiers in his day wore either lorica hamata, lorica squamata, or muscled cuirasses.
Why do you have to spoil the party?
@@globalcombattv That's because [Arno Schwarzenegger voice]: "I'm the party pooper." Seriously, it's good for Kings and Generals to receive criticism when they need it, in order to learn from their mistakes and move on, while honing and improving their content. My spoiling of the party is borne out of love and respect, not out of malice or spite. That is why I spoil the party. Very fun at parties as you can tell.
@@ericconnor8251 lol, I agree mate. Just fooling around :) Are you a Connor McGregor fan by any chance? :D
@@globalcombattv No, not really, although the feisty Irishman in me admires him and I respect his craft. I just think the guy is kind of a jerk and a nitwit, not very humble. Hope he doesn't track me down and IRA-style sniper me for saying that, or just take me down MMA style (he would do that, wouldn't he).
@@ericconnor8251 Can't be sure, maybe he's more like that for marketing purposes. But yeah, he's not the humblest person that has ever lived i can imagine :D
Have never heard of this channel before. Really enjoyed the video and the historical knowledge I never learned at school. I subbed
Currently reading Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan, and it's cool that both of you give credit to other Roman officers who were also reorganizing the army alongside Marius.
This is a particularly good balanced presentation of the profound changes the Marian reforms worked to the previous organizations. For anyone interested,the novels of Colleen McCullough are the first I have read that really make the lives of Marius, Sulla, Caesar and others come alive. Historical novels that use Caesar as a character are a dime a dozen. Usually wooden or 1 dimensional. Not hers. A good adjunct to this. Well done.I like the stuff you put out. Cheers.
Nooo....not my beloved TRIARII. Bring them back!
Its almost harvesting season
@@JamesBond-ns8di Less talking, more raiding!
Triarii were just reservist guys, older than 36 years.. they were not elite in any way... most of the time, they were not even present on the battlefield, but left guarding the camp... If anything, Principes were the Elite, as they were composed of experienced men in prime strength...
So it's come down to the Triarii!
@@Wallyworld30 facts :) ..
This channel is pure gold. I just let the videos roll one after another. Fascinating stuff.
Thank you very much :-)
This was a nice summary. I recommend Mike Duncan's'The Storm Before the Storm', which goes into more detail about Marius, Sulla, the Gracchi brothers and how the republic began to fall apart.
The irony that you used post-Marian soldiers wearing Lorica Segmentata to portray pre-Marian soldiers.
Ya and it wasnt used very widely either.
Bronx Bull What? No they didn’t the only time they showed pre-reform soldiers were the small bit on the 3 old classes. While it is still too early for segmentata it was used at the end of the first century BCE.
Absolutely brilliant, very well done K&G, the most underrated channel on youtube!
Thank you :)
OMG OMG THANK YOU GUYS SOOOO MUCH FOR FINALLY DOING THIS THE ART LOOKS ANAZING AHHHHHH
Absolutely love these videos. Short, sweet and to the point.
Damn how the hell he come up with this idea in a short time i guess he really learn a lot in experience from battles he fought the MARIUS MULE is a genius idea ta raise the quality of a soldier.. endurance and stamina is very important to a army till this DAY
I was going through your content just two days ago in hope of a vid on the marian reforms...thx a lot for this
Thank you. There is going to be another video, explaining the political consequences of the Marian reforms.
Thank you. This is the first step in a series of events in Western History I enjoy very much. Marius, Sulla, Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, Marcus Licinius Crassus, Marc Anthony and finaly Augustus. I enjoy the high quality of the things you make.
As always, a great summary of the salient and relevant factors underpinning the evolving Roman system from Republic to Imperial and how the army reforms played their critical role in the process. Excellent commentary without unnecessary fluff. Flaxen Saxon
I literally retained 90% of this information. This is how courses should be formatted.
Without the mistakes of course, of which there are several in this presentation. Not howlers, but mistakes nevertheless.
An absolutely priceless presentation which distils the transformative complexities of the time into a clear, well researched and superbly presented brief that was refreshingly digestible. Bravo and well done young sir! Historians world wide living and dead smile at the whisper of your name. Michael Weeks a fan in San Antonio Texas.
Sir, with all due respect, what was presented here was just a little dusting for the masses. Nothing was presented here for example about the guile Marius employed to hoodwink the German tribes. At least there were no blatant howlers and let's leave it at that.
This channel is such an inspiration for ours in terms of quality and consistency :)
Loved the artwork, great job as always
There's a great book by Colleen McCullough "The First Man in Rome" (first of the "Masters of Rome" cycle) I strongly recommend ...
Love that series. She makes many assumptions, but most of them are logical.
Waldemar perhaps the finest series of novels dealing with Republican Rome
Watching these makes me want to read them all again. Fantastic videos to by Kings and Generals. I'm by no means an expert but I thought the weakening of the spears was so they would break upon first impact so the enemy could not pick them up and throw them back?
Hey Kings, you may want to look into the rank of Primus Prior, similar to that of the Primus Pilus (“First spear”) The rank of Primus Prior was that of the Centurion of the First century of each of cohorts, with the exception of the first. These men will have served as a centurion of their cohort before being considered for promotion to this position. These veterans would be responsible for the functionality of all men in the cohort, and would take orders, and distribute them to the centurions under his command. The Cohort also had the ability to be indivdual in battles and campaigns, or even postings to garrisons. Therefore the Primus Prior would be the senior officer present, and would therefore be responsible for all duties for the men under his command. Hope this helps
You guys never cease to surprise me. These videos keep getting better and better
Thank you for watching :)
It's always a delight to see a new video from you.... Have a good week....
Same to you, my friend!
The reforms were a product of a declining recruitment pool because previous roman conquests had flooded the republic with slaves, therefore cheap labour and rich romans bought uncompetitive, bankrupt small farms and consolidated them in estates in order to make latifundia and land reform and land ownership was in steady decline. This resulted in masses of landless people and Marius was smart enough to realize that a standarized military unit with supplied equipment could be arranged using those people as manpower by quite an affordable amount since cheap slave labour and it was expected that soldiers would loot for themselves, with part going to the state, recouping some losses. A side note is since legionnaries were granted farmland plots in conquered territories, it helped to romanize conquests faster and garrisoned those lands with a caste of settler-soldiers, quite similar to the macedonian practice. On the less bright side, since the Senate never consolidated its power over the new standing army as an extension of the state in part due to the decentralized nature of the Roman Republic/Empire and they fought more for a sense of profit that of loyalty or defense of their own property, the decline and fall of Rome is indirectly a product of such reforms, in which frequent civil strife and wars were common.
Quite correct apart from the use of the word legioNNaires (incorrect). The right word is legioNaires with a single N. The reasons for the Decline and Fall are far more varied than simply civil wars and the erosion of manpower or lack of loyalty to the state, in this case, Rome. In fact I neither see it as a decline nor a fall. Societies flex and wane and over periods running into centuries fundamental changes are bound to happen. One of the fundamental problems that Rome never solved was succession. Also, empires of the Roman extent tend to be ungovernable also because of the time and distance factor. That classical Rome lasted so cohesively and so long through so many challenges attests to not only the intellectual formamentis of these men but their ability to project it over their environment and against incredible odds.
I wish total war would implent a shield strength statistic to their games, it would be awesome seeing precursor ammo destroy an enemy's shields before combat, really cementing the fact why this was such a useful tool to the legions and other units giving them a distinct advantage.
Thank you Your videos are really well researched and fun to watch
The goosebumps watching this video (waited for a long ago), would like to see a video about the lorica segmentata!!! NICE VIDEO like always!
12:35 What would be a more responsible payment/administration structure be for the new Legions?
I saw that dad gum merch placement, you clever dog 9:12
Really enjoyable historical information. Clearly outlined. Well made. Thank you.
You have the absolute perfect voice for this .
I had a surgery today,just came back home...watching this video made my day better.keep up with the good work
The Rome: Total War players coming in to see why the fuck they’re getting a notification about Marius changing their army for no reason
Amo seus videos !! Grande Trabalho sempre !!
This video presents these changes so clearly and simply that it is very easy to understand. Thank you for creating this video, I have learned some very valuable information.
Thanks for watching!
*desire to purge gauls intensifies*
Alright calm down, Macron...
AVE GALLIA Down with Macron.
@Dalton K It was just a silly joke. Some time ago Macron made some comment about 'stupid gauls', referring to a portion of the French people he doesn't like.
@Dalton K Because Marcon is an anti France puppet
Fun fact, Marius is still a popular name in Romania.
Stands to reason. The grandfather of my first wife, who was Romanian was called OCTAVIAN, same as the first emperor of Rome.
I have marathoned a lot of your content. Brilliant stuff!
Thank you!
I love the animation in this presentation! Subbed!
Caesar is not only a *tactical genius* but also a *political master.* The entire time he was wining battle after battle in Gaul, *which btw he would hold the world record of pitched battles fought until Napoleon,* he was also out maneuvering his political enemies such as Cato the younger who are also brilliant. Caesar is a good candidate for the title of *genius* because in both aspects of life, *combat and political* he dominated his enemies. *Very few people have ever done this.* Not even Alexander can claim this.
Scipio Africanus was a better general and politician than Caesar. Though Caesar's life was cut short so we don't know what he would have done, had he lived longer.
Caesar was the best in the ancient world
It's hard to say who was “the best“. There are a lot of generals and rulers who never lost a battle but they are not so popular or accounts of their briliance is not recorded in details as is Ceasers or Alexanders. Plus military history tends to be eurocentric. There are lot of arabian, turkish, indian and chinese generals who could be nominated as ““goat“ of battlefield and govermant.
@@ThePanosassasin Oh the contrary I have and *Alexander fought only a handful of big battles* he had more skirmishes then large battles fought. I smell butthurt
@@mrtokyofrank *Pure conjecture on your part.* History disagrees and why Caesar is considered *one of the greatest generals of all time.* This only furthers my point that Caesar is far above his rivals as he also out played his *very abstinent and down right hostile political enemies.* Which those said enemies called themselves the boni "good men". Scipio was a good general calling him anymore than is just pure speculation.
6:18 the most personal unit wasn’t the contubernium. The contubernium was subdivided into 5 groups of two who did almost everything together!
That was mostly a social group, and not an official unit. More of a custom.
And those groups of 2 were called?
Excellent video. I had always heard of the Marion reforms but this s the first time I’ve ever seen what they were. Really good job. I will check out more of this site.
mariAn reforms please not mariOn. Marion was a beauty but no reformer.
Your channel is indubitably the greatest
" The soldiers became conditioned by their heavy loads" - Kings and Generals, 2018
Saksham Pandey you saw something sexual in that? You must be incredibly lonely.
@@S0nyToprano You must be fun at parties.
@@S0nyToprano Jesus Christ you wet blanket ass losers are pathetic
Yes! Proper Latin pronunciation! I subscribed as soon as I heard it! Great video anyway!
Thanks and welcome aboard!
Hugo Vieira da Silva Is it really? ...maybe you should have another listen.. or clean out your ears?..
Ive been waiting for the marian reform video for ages
very awesome video. Keep up the good work!
What happened to the Velites who were disbanded? I mean the men themselves and their weapons and armor if their expertise was in skirmishing then how were they integrated in the new army? If not integrated what about the weapons and armor they bought to fight with?
If i remember correctly velites were usually junger solders, ca. 17-21 years old, so they grew up, their weapons (velite spear) went out of production, their role as extremely light skirmishers went to auxilia or cavalry. They did not wear armor, most probably just shield and helmet and wolfskin. Solders owned their own equipment, so they just took it home. The opportunity to experience battle without having to hold your ground (ability to retreat) and sort of learning on the job by observing others was changed by better initial training.
The bean to use auxilia infantry after the reforms, so they had missile Unites available
"I'll probably be out this toilet within thirty minutes or so." *Kings & Generals uploaded a video.* "...make that an hour."
i''m impressed with your knowledge and information...subbed..
@Kings and Generals May I suggest you longer pauses between the sections of your videos? For example, between the summary at the beginning and main narration, or just before the sponsor. It really helps with the flow, in my opinion.
Elitist Attitudes have been the bane of many societies throughout History. Imagine if in 1775 the Colonies only allowed men of means to fight the British. The British were composed of impressed and poor in Rank and file and the men of means bought their commissions. If a poor man can dream of upward mobility you have a motivated soldier.
Proletarians of the world unite! Marius-105BC
Amazing documentary! I had a presentation about this topic 2 days ago. Nice coincidence :) I am happy with that.
Thank you for watching :)
The music in the background is quite convenient. Those horns and choir capture the might of Rome and the gravity of it all. Interesting video. Engrossing subject.
5:01 The Minotaur did the whip before us.
This is making me want to reinstall Rome - Total War.
>install Imagine deleting in the first place
The metallurgy of the pilleum was impressive. Heat treated on the tip making it very hard enough to pierce armour. But soft on the shaft making flexible causing it to bend on impact.
PILUM (singular), PILA (plural)
Great video! Please put a primary source reference list up... With Balearic slingers I know you have one.
Yeah another Romans videos again 🤓
Gonna be lots of Roman stuff within next couple of months.
@@KingsandGenerals Nice, can't wait to see them all, keep up the good work mate :)
@acevitamin Never enough Greece/Byzantium is what I say ;-)
Romans are overrated
@@MizanQistina Gee, they only conquered a massive empire that would last over a thousand years. Sure sound overrated to me lol.
> Martian reforms and their military effects I was dead certain this was an Expanse lore video
Expanse! I need to read new books.
Great work, thanks for sharing...
Hell yeah, been waiting for this video. I loves me some Marius.
More on the way!
With well developed military organization and standardization, crossbowmen would have really fitted into roman legions. Imagine legions with crossbowmen, tightly packed, it would be a terrible enemy to deal with. Almost no weaknesses and nice counter to the later faced parthian horse-archers.
In general, the Romans weren't big fans of the missile units, which is interesting. I wonder if it was a cultural thing.
The Chinese Tang Army was equipped with Xbow and Archery behind shield infantry. In fact, every soldier was armed with 2 weapons, a long weapon as well as missile weapon. For a standard army size of 14000 strong, 2000 men would be armed with Xbow and spear, another 2200 with Bow and spear, 2900 with shield and 4000 calvary typically with spear and Bow. One such army lost to the Arabs at battle of Talas after some of the Chinese allies flipped side.
Well, now I know I have to disband all Vellites from my armies in Rome II - Total War campaign after Marius reforms.
Hooray! I love this topic! Can't wait.
Thank you for watching.
Great video like always
İt's interesting that roman empire had semi-modern infrastructure before mediaval ages.
I would say ultra not semi-modern given that most things built in the modern world do not even last the term guaranteed per contract let alone millennia. How many modern buildings have caved in after earthquakes in Europe whilst the old Roman remains continue to stand?
You get the strongest army to conquer the world, but at the cost of a Republic dying
Fair trade
But then you get a more sustainable government.
Given how corrupt the republic was I say good price
Nicce vid can you do one on the roman fighting thecqunices/tatics in battle feild and martial arts?
Was waiting for this video since the video about the Cimbrian war.
Anyone else here play Rome total war? And thoroughly enjoying the Roman videos?😂
Gotta say, Marius was a pretty cool... *GAIUS* I'm leaving now
Absolutely love the video. A question: how was the pilum effectively different from the old two nail version. Wasn't its purpose always to become useless and encumber the foe?
Really love these informative videos!
More on the way!