Gaius Marius (consul 82 BC)

Otherwise known as Younger Marius or Marius the Younger. Marius was born in Rome between 110-108BC. His father Gaius Marius was 7 times consul, a General and Roman Revolutionist however his mother Julia Caesaris was a parental aunt to Julius Caesar. His cousin always thought highly of him and his father.

In his younger years, he educated with Titus Atticus and Cicero by Greek Tutors. Marius always supported his father’s republican-democratic party. When his father died in 86BC, he assumed control. He wasn’t as charismatic as his father, but his father’s name assisted him.

During his consulship in 82BC, he married Mucia Tertia (future wife of Pompey the Great). Although there was an age gap, Tertia’s father was a supporter of the party.

In the Civil War in 80BC, the party’s enemy, Lucius Cornelius Sulla and his army defeated the armies of Marius at the Fortress of Praeneste. At the besieged he committed suicide.