Gaius Marius was a Roman general and statesman who lived during the 2nd century BC. He is best known for his military reforms and for being elected as consul of Rome seven times. Marius is often credited with transforming the Roman army into a professional fighting force by recruiting landless citizens and providing them with equipment. His military reforms had a significant impact on the Roman Republic and its military capabilities. Additionally, Marius played a key role in the political and social upheavals of his time, particularly during the conflicts between the populares and the optimates.