Kontrowersje wokół Gajusza Mariusza Młodszego
The Marius the Younger controversy

Summary/Abstract: Marius the Younger, son of a seven-time consul, was a Roman general and politician. Promoted by his father, he became one of the leaders of the Marian camp. His greatest achievement was his co-consulship with Gnaeus Papirius Carbo in 82 BC, and consequently his command in the civil war against Lucius Cornelius Sulla. After the defeat, besieged in Praeneste, Marius committed suicide. The authors of the sources are very ambiguous in their assessment of the role that Marius the Younger played in the late Republic during the conflict with the Sullans. Opponents criticise him for his incompetence as a commander, cruelty to enemies, and mock his young age, lack of experience and charisma. Supporters emphasise the extraordinary military skills, calmness and composure inherited from his father. Similar ambiguous opinions can be found in contemporary historiography. The author of the article critically re-examines the sources, seeks to resolve the controversies surrounding Marius the Younger in contemporary scholarship, and aims to objectively assess the role he played in the first armed civil conflict in the history of the Republic.

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