Beginning around 107 BC the Romans had to deal with a serious Germanic incursion by the Cimbri and Teutones who were finally beaten by Marius. But Marius, in order to do so, had to reorganize the army to provide enough soldiers for the war. Shortly after that, the Social Wars broke out followed in short order by Sulla ( who had been fighting in Asia Minor) marching on Rome. Within 10 years, the Spartacus revolt broke out. This was followed in short order by Pompey's campaign against the Cilician Pirates where, through a combination of skill and luck, he managed to conquer half the East. When Pompey was finished Caesar began the wars in Gaul, Britain and Germania while Crassus went off to Parthia and got his ass kicked at Carrhae. By 49 the Civil Wars started and basically lasted for a generation.
I can see how people might have been a tad war-weary after all that!
I can see how people might have been a tad war-weary after all that!
