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Marius changed the roman army by promising land to the poor men if they became soldiers.

Near the beginning of the 1st century BC BCE, Marius was given almost unlimited powers to reorganize the legions. He introduced a cohort of approximately 550 men to 600 men and had each legion have its battle standards. This gave the men a rallying point. He had the Roman javelins break after thrown, thus disabling them to be used against his own soldiers. He abolished the use of personal weapons to allow for poorer men to join the ranks. The legions would be the main source of weapons supply. He also had the army carry equipment in their own backpacks. This left the supply wagons with less materials to carry and placed important equipment at hand for each soldier.

Another aspect of the Marius changes was to increase the loyalty of the legions to their generals rather than to the Senate. Later of course Augustus would have the military swear an oath to him rather than the Roman State.

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Marius changed the Roman army in several ways, the most well-known of his changes was that he opened up the army to all Roman citizens, instead of just those who could afford to arm themselves. Under Marius the state provided armor and weapons, food and clothing and provided the man with a steady pay. The enlistment time was longer and the training more rigorous and for the first time Rome had a standing army, well trained and ready for combat at any time of year rather than just in the summer campaigning season. Marius also got rid of the old maniple as a fighting unit and replaced it with the cohort. He invented a breakaway type of javelin, that could not be reused against the attacking Roman line. He also is credited with inventing the military backpack, where each soldier carried his own supplies. They were known as Marius' Mules".

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Q: How did Marius change the Roman armie?
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