Fall of the Roman Republic Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. How does Rex Warner describe Plutarch's biography of Marius and why?

Warner states that Plutarch's biography of Marius is the least satisfactory of the six that are included in "Fall of the Roman Republic". The reason he gives is that in his opinion, Plutarch does not offer enough information on Marius's political experience or his marriage to Julia of the house of Caesar, instead exaggerating his education.

2. How does Marius's first military experience inspire him to pursue greater accomplishments?

Marius almost immediately gained attention because of his skills on the battlefield. As he excelled, against the Celtiberians, his commander, Scipio Africanus, pointed to Marius as a soldier with the potential to reach his own noted ability. Marius takes the compliment very seriously because he thinks it is prophetic, and it inspires him to pursue his ambitions.

3. How does Marius distinguish himself when he...
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