Marianic Reform

Tactical aspects

It is, on the one hand, a reform of the organization of the legions. Those pass from a varying manpower from 4200 to 5000 legionaries to a manpower fixes of 6000. They are divided from now on into ten Cohorte S of six hundred legionaries each one, each troop including/understanding three handle of two hundred men. Moreover, instead of being divided, like before, in hastaires (or Hastati), Principles and triaires (or Triarii), the legionaries from now on were equipped uniformly. To the 6.000 legionaries were added cavalry and vélites, normally 1200 Vélite S and 300 riding.

The marianic legion was spread traditionally in quincunx; a first line of four troops, one second of three, a third of four. The troops were formed on 8 rows from depth and 50 length; there were 90 cm between each legionary of the same row, and 120 cm between each row. Each line of troops was separated from 35 meters, and empty spaces in the lines correspond exactly to the positions of the troops of the preceding or following line. The cavalry, as usual among Romans, was held with the wings.

This tactical reform was intended to obtain legions more flexible, more mobile, more adaptable, more homogeneous in their composition, which would correspond better to the imperialists goals of the Republic, whereas before the legions were only intended to defend it.

Recruitment

But especially, the marianic reform changed the mode of recruitment. Previously, the legions were consisted convocation, once the year, of the small holders, who had the means of buying their equipment of legionaries and constituted an army of warrior-citizens. This class had been reached during the II E, and recruitment changed. From now on, one recruited among all the classes, and in particular among the Prolétaire S, namely the poorest classes. Those held before the roles more the subordinates, carrying luggage or oarsmen on the galères. From now on, when a general raised a legion (following the adequate authorization, delivered by the Senate), he sought volunteers among these underprivileged. The equipment from now on was provided, and a pay was guaranteed to the legionary. Especially, its general promised the occasion to him to grow rich by the spoils, and committed himself providing a small holding once his finished service. N the other hand, the soldier engaged over one long life, which facilitated the long campaigns far from Rome, and allowed to have a really professional army.

Political aspects

One thus passed from an army of conscription, made up citizens, with a made up professional army men balanced, and moved primarily by the lure of gain. The consequences of this reform were serious for the République. From now on, the legions were more inclined to serve the interests of their general, which corresponded to their, that to serve the Republic. It is this type of legion which allowed the civil wars between ambitious generals such as Marius and Sylla, or Pompée and Jules César. However, only an in the long run committed professional army could be used for the long ones and remote wars carried out by Rome to extend and maintain its empire. The marianic reform marks the passage of the republican army to the imperial army; it is about a crucial step in the disappearance of the Roman Republic.

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