ACOUP - The Marian Reforms Weren’t a Thing

As something of a supplement to his examination of the dilectus, Bret takes a look at the supposed theory of “Marian Reforms,” the (erroneous) idea that Gaius Marius was directly and intentionally responsible for a package of sweeping changes to the Roman army in the 2nd century BC. Bret examines what changes have been attributed to Marius as “reforms” and then looks at the historical reality of when and how they came about.

 

Also, just to make sure no one feels they need to rush off to Wikipedia… the article on the “Marian Reforms” that Bret specifically cites for its erroneous information has since been edited. You can even find this article linked there, now!

 

Anyone wishing to engage with Bret, check out these links:

 

Original post for this recording - https://acoup.blog/2023/06/30/collections-the-marian-reforms-werent-a-thing/

Dr. Devereaux’s blog, A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry - https://acoup.blog

Dr. Devereaux’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/BretDevereaux

Dr. Devereaux’s Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=20122096

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0:00 – The Marian Reforms Weren’t a Thing

8:13 - The So-Called Marian Reforms

17:10 - Equipment Reforms

31:07 - Recruit and Organization

53:31 - Cohorts and Tactics

1:02:39 - The Reforms That Weren’t

1:08:24 - Credits