The son of Marius, who attempted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a military leader.
Marius the Younger "showed his father's spirit, though not destined to reach his years, who displayed great fortitude in the many enterprises he undertook, and never belied the name" (Vellius Paterculus 26). Marius was well-educated in his youth alongside
Marcus Tullius Cicero by Greek tutors.
During the Social War, he served under Lucius Porcius Cato. Later in 88 BCE as the tension between his father and Sulla became heated, Marius followed his father into exile in Africa. After his father passed away in 86 BCE, Marius did not fade entirely into the background. Instead, he initially assumed leadership of his father’s political faction, though he did not necessarily maintain their respect as he evidently lacked his father’s charisma.
Marius was elected consul in 86 BCE at the age of 20 years old, well below the traditional minimum age. Marius seemed to have relied on his family name, and this appointment to consul was a move to rally popular support against Sulla, his father’s rival. In 82 BCE, Sulla defeated Marius at the Battle of Sacriportus. Marius the Younger was then besieged as he sought safety in the city of Praeneste. During this time, he ordered the massacre of those, who might support Sulla’s return. Though he attempted to escape, Marius ended up committing suicide to avoid capture.