The introduction of the "men with nothing" into the Roman army during the Marian reforms, ca. 107 BC

During a heavy period of reforms, headed by Marius, a new, “more numerous kind of volunteer [was enrolled]: the men with nothing.”¹ These men could not provide the means of sustenance for themselves, so often went without the necessities in life. Life in the Roman army was seen as ideal – payment and provisions of weaponry, armour, food and company 

were secured via state funding through legislative measures.

In general, these reforms came under heavy scrutiny from opponents and ancient writers, who often claimed Marius “stands accused of paving the way for the so-called lawless, greedy soldiers whose activities were thought to have contributed largely to the fall of the Republic a few generations later.”¹ However, conflicting information suggests that the fall of the Republic was escalated through years of raising taxes and the aggressive repercussions of such measures, although after Julius Caesar came to power, the official fall of the Republic came, which was also, notably, after a civil war.²

The introduction of the “men with nothing” into the Roman army, which were listed officially under the Capite Censi, is often torn ideologically between supporters and opponents. However, in general, it should be regarded as a logical move towards expanding the Roman army and giving hope to those who were previously without; it meant that people could receive payments, provisions, and company. Not only that, but it provided the Roman army with extra power which was previously required.

¹ ‘The Roman Army: the greatest war machine of the ancient world’, p.85; edited by Chris McNab, published in Great Britain in 2010 by Osprey Publishing

²Heritage History: “Ancient Rome – decline of a Republic” (website)