Marius and the Plebeian Assembly

A talented military commander, Marius went to serve on the staff of one of the generals. Through his accomplishments there he won over the soldiers and they soon wanted him to assume supreme command. He then had the plebeian assembly vote him commander of the war against Juguetha. By linking ongoing military failures in Africa to the haughtiness of the nobility,. Marius turned his status as a new man into an asset and was able to win election as one of the two consuls for the year 107. During a fresh round of troops he allowed even those without property to serve. The requirement was sometimes waived but Marius ended up removing it permanently.