Marius' Mules: Vi Caesar Vow

When Roman general Gaius Marius was preparing for battle, he vowed to sacrifice his mules to Mars if he was victorious. After he won the battle, Marius fulfilled his vow and sacrificed his mules. The phrase "Marius' mules" has come to mean an unnecessary sacrifice or a sacrifice that is made too late.

The Battle of Vercellae

The Battle of Vercellae was fought in 101 BC between the Romans and the Cimbri and Teutons. The Cimbri and Teutons were two Germanic tribes who had been migrating south for several years, and they had defeated several Roman armies along the way. Marius was determined to stop the Cimbri and Teutons, and he gathered a large army to meet them.

Marius' Mules VI: Caesar's Vow

by S.J.A. Turney

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	846 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	426 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Mass Market Paperback	:	304 pages
Lexile measure	:	NP500L
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.19 x 0.65 x 6.88 inches

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The battle was fought near the town of Vercellae in northern Italy. The Romans were outnumbered by the Cimbri and Teutons, but they were better trained and equipped. Marius used his cavalry to attack the flanks of the enemy, and he ordered his infantry to advance slowly and steadily. The Cimbri and Teutons were unable to break the Roman lines, and they were eventually routed.

Marius' Vow

Before the Battle of Vercellae, Marius vowed to sacrifice his mules to Mars if he was victorious. Mars was the Roman god of war, and Marius believed that he would need Mars' help to defeat the Cimbri and Teutons. Marius' vow was a risky one, because mules were valuable animals. However, Marius was confident that he would be victorious, and he was willing to sacrifice his mules in order to secure the victory.

The Sacrifice of the Mules

After the Battle of Vercellae, Marius fulfilled his vow and sacrificed his mules to Mars. The sacrifice was performed in a ceremony at the Temple of Mars in Rome. Marius offered the mules to Mars, and he prayed for the god's continued favor.

The Meaning of "Marius' Mules"

The phrase "Marius' mules" has come to mean an unnecessary sacrifice or a sacrifice that is made too late. This is because Marius' sacrifice of his mules was seen as unnecessary, since he had already won the battle. Additionally, Marius' sacrifice was seen as too late, since he had waited until after the battle to fulfill his vow.

The phrase "Marius' mules" is often used to describe a situation in which someone makes a sacrifice that is not necessary or that is made too late. For example, someone who spends a lot of money on a gift for a friend who does not appreciate it could be said to have made a "Marius' mule" sacrifice.

The story of Marius' mules is a reminder that sacrifices should be made carefully and deliberately. Marius' sacrifice was unnecessary and too late, and it has come to symbolize the dangers of making sacrifices that are not well-thought-out.

Marius' Mules VI: Caesar's Vow

by S.J.A. Turney

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	846 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	426 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Mass Market Paperback	:	304 pages
Lexile measure	:	NP500L
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.19 x 0.65 x 6.88 inches

FREE