Reformed Roman Army Defeats Invaders

Solider Gaius Marius' reformed Roman army has proved its worth, twice defeating invading tribes.

The series of reforms have made the army a well-disciplined force.

Following a series of major changes the Roman army has successfully seen off two attempted invasions from tribes in the north (101 BC).

Before successful soldier Gaius Marius reformed the army six years ago only men who owned land could join the army. Gaius Marius changed this. He allowed men to join the army even if they did not own land.

He pays them wages and allows them to get rewards when the army wins battles.

He has improved the way soldiers are trained and kept them hard at work. They have to carry such heavy backpacks that they are called Marius' Mules.

Many men have joined the army and before the invasions it was already on its way to becoming a great fighting force. Now Marius' army has proved how good it is by defeating attacking tribes from the north.

Since the reforms legionaries in the Roman army have fought very successfully. They swear a solemn oath of loyalty to the senate and Roman people when they enlist. They are expected to do as they are told.

Their training is demanding and excellent. They train vigorously to be ready to fight. Soldiers who did not do well enough in their training are made to have their food rations in barley instead of the usual wheat. They hate this as barley is horse food. They have to show they can do better before they get their wheat ration back.

Discipline is tough. There are strict punishments for crimes like hurting or killing another legionary, pretending to be ill to get out of fighting or passing information to enemies. Soldiers can be even be punished for being cheeky to an officer.

There are harsh punishments, even for small offences, including being hit by the centurion, rationing of food or flogging. Sometimes a legionary who is guilty of stealing might have his hand cut off.

More serious crimes lead to reductions in pay, demotion and loss of privileges, or even a dishonourable discharge. This means the legionary would not get any retirement benefits. For murder a soldier can be executed or even thrown to wild animals. One legionary who deserted was captured and executed.

If a century runs away in battle it can be decimated. This means one man in every ten is chosen by drawing lots and these men are beaten or stoned to death by other legionaries. The centurion himself is executed. The rest of the legionaries left alive are then put on rations of barley.