GAIO MARIO
At the origins of the crisis in Rome.
An account of the stature and historical importance of a key person in the late Roman Republic: a man devoted to war, with an impetuous and strong-willed character, and unbridled ambition, and perpetrator for and against Rome.
With an Introduction by Lorenzo Braccesi (*)
Gaius Marius (157-86 BC) was consul seven times, won two wars and celebrated the triumph, and was acclaimed by the Senate and by the Roman people as the Savior of the Fatherland, and the Third Founder of Rome. He reformed the army and the military service. In the end however, he was politically compromised by political adventurism and by a treasonous commanding officer Lucius Apuleius Saturninus who he had supported. Subsequently, personal differences with the consul Lucius Cornelius Silla (139-78 BC), formerly his friend and collaborator, triggered the outbreak of a horrible civil war. Then began a long and tormented political process, which was destined to mark the passage from a Republic to an Empire.
'Gaio Mario. Alle origini della crisi di Rome' -- writes the classicist Lorenzo Braccesi in his introduction to the volume -- is a readable book of history, that is not written in an "academic" language, only for the experts. Geographical, institutional and judicial references are within the reach of common understanding. Wanting to give a definition of it in terms of classic historiography, I would say that it combines an annalistic narrative framework with a colourful style of dramatic historiography.
'Gaio Mario. Alle origini della crisi di Rome' -- writes the classicist Lorenzo Braccesi in his introduction to the volume -- is a readable book of history, that is not written in an "academic" language, only for the experts. Geographical, institutional and judicial references are within the reach of common understanding. Wanting to give a definition of it in terms of classic historiography, I would say that it combines an annalistic narrative framework with a colourful style of dramatic historiography.
The volume was born out of the necessity to recount and share the story of Gaius Mario beyond a narrow circle of experts. "A task, not simple - continues Braccesi - Barca takes it on and executes excellently. With well documented historical research Barca is remarkably able to highlight not only the protagonist but also the stories of the historical characters along with their familial environments which surround him, in a way that makes the ancient world more vivid and captivating."
Information
"Gaius Marius" links to a previous publication by the same author - Sangue chiama sangue. Terrore e atrocità nella Roma di Mario e Silla, translation: "Blood calls for blood. Terror and atrocities in the Rome of Marius and Sulla" with respect to which it constitutes the "prequel".
| Pages | 594 |
| Publisher | L'Erma di Bretschneider, Roma |
| Year | 2017 |
| Language | Italian |
| ISBN-13 | 9788891315915 |