Cimbrian War. Gaius Marius and his part in this struggle.

Praca licencjacka przedstawia problematyki najazdu Cymbrów i Teutonów na tereny Państwa Rzymskiego u schyłku II w. p.n.e. Tematyka uwzględnia przede wszystkim udział w konflikcie słynnego rzymskiego dowódcy, Gajusza Mariusza, który pokonał najeźdźców w dwóch bitwach: pod Aquae Sextaie (102 p.n.e.) oraz Vercellae (101 p.n.e.). Tym samym Rzymianie odparli największe zagrożenie od czasów Hannibala. W podzięce za uratowanie państwa Mariusz otrzymał tytuł "Trzeciego Założyciela Rzymu". Praca także prezentuje sytuacje republiki w owym okresie. Państwo Rzymskie zmagało się wtedy z licznymi trudnościami oraz sporami wewnętrznymi. Dodatkowo prowadzone były niełatwe do wygrania wojny m.in z królem numidyjskim Jugurtą. Armia przeżywała wielkie kłopoty, co wymusiło na Mariuszu dokonania niezwykle istotnej w historii rzymskiej reformy militarnej. To wydarzenie, znane pod nazwą reformy mariańskiej było największym tego typu dokonaniem w zakresie wojskowości w dziejach Rzymu. Na tle owych wydarzeń autor prezentuje zmiany w systemie sprawowania władzy w republice rzymskiej, która powoli kierowała się ku upadkowi, a to przez takie postaci jak Mariusz, czy Sulla, które zdobywały chwałę oraz wpływ w tym okresie, co z kolei doprowadziło do pierwszej w rzymskiej historii wojny domowej.

This Bachelor’s thesis aims to present situation in Roman Empire during invasion of Germanic tribes – Cimri and Teutones, which took place between 113-101 B.C. Despite contemporary historians have got many sources it is hard to describe this terrifying struggle, which is called Cimbrian War. Very important person in this story was Gaius Marius – one of the best roman commander and excellent soldier. In the background this thesis shows time of social and military crisis in Rome.In 113 B.C. Cimbri and Teutones, who set off from Jutland Peninsula crossed Roman border and met with consul Gneius Papirius Carbon, who was defeated by these tribes. Their next opponent was Marcus Iunius Silanus, consul of 109 year. Germans destroyed his army and were continuing march into West Europe. While they were traveling Roman legions in Africa struggled with king of Numidia, Jugurtha, who was clever and hard to defeat enemy. Jugurtha started losing when to Africa came new consul, Quintus Cecilius Metellus with his ambitious Marius as legate. Two years later Marius had won election to consulship and became main commander in Numidia. He had defeated Jugurtha in series of battles and king run to Mauretania, whose king was his father-in-law, Bocchus I. This man started negotiation with Marius’s questor, Lucius Cornelius Sulla (later famous dictator). In result he gave Jugurtha as captive. Then war in Africa was finished for both sides. Numidian king was executed after Marius’s triumphal procession in Rome. Marius got second consulship in his life. Then senate gave him a new task: beat off Cimbri and Teutones, who were in Galia and Spain at that moment. Successful commander came to Europe and started to train new soldiers, who were too weak to fight with powerful Germans. Then he reformed Roman legions. Main point was using proletariat as a source of manpower. This was the greatest military reforms in roman history. Today it is known as “Marian reforms”. His army became killing machine and was ready to fight with invaders, who came back from West and were attempting to attack Italy.First struggle took place near Aquae Sextiae (today Aix-en-Provence in Provence) in autumn 102 B.C.. In first day legionaries defeated Teutonic allies - Ambrones. Next day legions went into battle with Teutones and crushed them by surprise. Meanwhile second consul, Quintus Lutatius Katulus were stationing in Galia Cisalpina and waiting for Cimbris, who crossed Alps in spring 101 B.C. He and his army retreated, when Germans were coming to his camp. In result Cimbri invaded North Italy, but victorious Marius went there and connected with Catullus. Second battle occurred in place, which was named Campi Raudii. This was near Vercellae in Galia Cisalpina (today Vercelli in Piedmont). According to Florus this fight looked like battle of Cannae in 216 B.C, but Plutarch describe this event another. Nevertheless Romans won this struggle and Cimri were annihilated. This joyful news came to Rome very quickly. In result people had got a new hero – Gaius Marius, who got honorable title – Third Founder of Rome. He got next consulship as reward – sixth in his existence.Cimbrian War had been the most terrifying conflict for Roman since Second Punic War. This was illustrated by poet Lucan, who wrote about furor Teutonici in his famous piece "Pharsalia". Marius had been a great hero but later he was forgotten by people. He tried to remind himself in time of first civil war with Sulla, who had been Marius’s legate many years ago. Famous commander cooperated with cunning Lucius Cornelius Cinna. Ultimately he became consul last time in his lifetime. He died in January 86 B.C. He was remembered by descendants as great commander, but wicked politician too.