Writing about Gaius Marius

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that accounts of the personal, social, political and military life of Roman Gaius Marius vary tremendously, especially in the contrasting accounts of Sallust in his "The Jugurthine War/Conspiracy of Catiline" and Plutarch in his "Fall of the Roman Republic". The paper points out that, though Plutarch's account of Marius includes more precise military and political details then Sallust does, his personal dislike for Marius clouds his otherwise thorough characterization. The paper further relates that both Sallust and Plutarch offer excellent studies of Marius' life; however, as is common with many passionate authors, they fall prey to their own biases. The paper uses MLA style endnotes rather than a works cited page.

From the Paper:

"During the war in Africa, when Marius requests to go to Rome to run for consulship, Sallust blames Metellus' hesitancy for sending Marius on his "haughty and disdainful spirit." Sallust then defends Marius in his growing hate for Metellus by recounting how Metellus snubbed Marius in saying that he could run for consulship with his son. The only fault Sallust allows Marius is love of prestige. This can be seen through Sallust's depiction of Marius in his determination to win the consulship Marius would say and do anything in the company of the military men to raise his own glory."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Plutarch, Fall of the Roman Republic, Rex Warner translation (1972) 15
• Sallust, The Jugurthine War/Conspiracy of Catiline, S.A. Handford translation (1963) 99

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