Gaius Marius (Paperback)
The Rise and Fall of Rome's Saviour
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 344
Illustrations: 2 black and white maps
ISBN: 9781399024792
Published: 1st April 2023
Last Released: 16th October 2024
Publicity
Star Review: Lawrence W. Reed, Foundation for Economic Education
As featured in the Marietta Daily Journal: Local author Marc Hyden’s historical biography internationally published
Listen here to questions asked about Gaius Marius on WLCR AM 1040 Forum starting from 18 mins in.
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Gaius Marius was one of the most remarkable and significant figures of the late Roman Republic. At a time when power tended to be restricted to a clique of influential families, he rose from relatively humble origins to attain the top office of consul. He even went on to hold the post an unprecedented seven times. His political career flourished but was primarily built on military success. First serving in the Numantine War in Spain, he later rose to high command and brought a long-running war in North Africa to a successful conclusion, bringing the Numidian King Jurgurtha back in chains. His return was timely as northern barbarian tribes threatened Italy and had previously defeated several Roman armies. Marius reformed and retrained the Republic's forces and decisively defeated the invaders that had easily overpowered his predecessors.
Marius'subsequent career was primarily that of an elder statesman, but it was dominated by his rivalry with his erstwhile subordinate, Sulla, which ultimately led to the latter's bloody coup. Marius, once hailed as the saviour of Rome, eventually became a desperate fugitive, literally fleeing for his life from his pursuers. However, after several harrowing brushes with death, Marius seized an opportunity to return to Rome and mete out justice to his enemies, which tarnished his once-enviable reputation.
This is a fine, accessible treatment of the complex figure of Gaius Marius and the turbulent epoch in which he lived, a task at which Hyden’s text succeeds with aplomb.
CRAIG NAKASHIAN, THE SOCIETY FOR MEDIEVAL MILITARY HISTORY
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Hyden has done an impressive job of staying open minded about his subject, a rare achievement in biographies of figures from this period. His conclusion makes it clear that he sees Marius as a flawed figure, operating in a flawed system, but also unlucky in that he survived just long enough to tarnish his own reputation with the brutality of the last period of his life.
History of War
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...a most satisfying read.
Dr John Viggers
As mentioned on...
Military History Dispatches
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A Wargamer's Needful Things
Marc Hyden has given us the best extant account of Gaius Marius’ leading role in the history of late Roman Republic. It is required reading for those interested in the period and highly recommended for the general reader.
History Net
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As featured in
Marietta Daily Journal
I was very impressed with Hyden’s attention to detail. He has done a wonderful job in putting this topic to words. Through his words, the reader is able to visualize a lot of the content within, although a few images would have also helped. Aside from the maps at the beginning of the book, the book contains no additional photographs. Regardless, this was an excellent book depicting an excellent historical figure. I highly recommend it.
Ancient Origins
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Ancient Origins
I leave it to the interested reader to learn more from Hyden’s book about this fascinating Roman. As you read it, consider it more than the story of one life of antiquity. Think of it as an exegesis of power. The Roman historian Tacitus knew well what he was talking about when he wrote in 117 AD, “Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions.”
Foundation of Economic Education
About Marc Hyden
Marc Hyden is the Director of State Government Affairs at a Washington DC-based think tank, and he graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in philosophy. He has had a long-standing fascination with ancient Rome and has written extensively on various aspects of its history. He is also the author of Gaius Marius: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Saviour (Pen & Sword, 2017).
Pen and Sword Books
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