The Social Wars and the Civil Wars of Sulla and Marius, coupled with the Third Servile War led by Spartacus, have reminded the Roman People exactly how fragile peace on ‘home soil’ is. In addition, Rome is once again stricken with internal turmoil. Although Gaius Marius checked both the Cimbri and Teutones’ migrations of 113-101BC, stabilising Gaul somewhat in the process, the legions have suffered many bitter defeats. Hannibal’s invasion was a deep wound, not easily forgotten, and there remain constant threats from neighbouring Celtic and Germanic tribes. Although total victory over Carthage in 148-149BC has ensured their continued rise to dominance, Rome continues to be shaken by conflict on the Italian Peninsular itself.
