Question

How did the election of Marius as a consul reflect a change in Rome's government.

Answer 1

Marius's election as a consul  made the most sweeping changes to the Roman army. They were known as the Marian Reforms. Shortly after his election, he increased the numbers of the active army as he was concerned about a Barbarian invasion. Marius relaxed the strict recruitment policies. Until then, a Roman soldier had to provide his own uniform and weapons, own land and be of a certain social class and a Roman citizen. Marius allowed all Roman citizens to join the army irrespective of what social class they were. They also did not have to own land.