After this the Senate ordered him to leave, and as he departed, it is said he exclaimed, "Venal city, destined soon to perish, if a purchaser be found!" War was now begun in earnest (110), but resulted in a crushing defeat of the Romans, whose army was sent under the yoke.

Humiliated by the defeat, the Senate in the following year sent QUINTUS CAECILIUS METELLUS, nephew of Metellus Macedonicus, to take charge of the war.

He was a man of integrity, with some experience as an officer, and a rigid aristocrat.

Realizing the danger of failure, he took with him as his lieutenant the ablest soldier that he could find, GAIUS MARIUS.
Marius, born at Arpinum in 157, was the son of a farmer, and was himself bred to the plough.

He joined the army at an early age, and soon attracted notice for his punctual performance of all duties, and his strictness in discipline.