By the middle of the II century BC, Rome has become the dominant force in the Mediterranean. Carthage, Seleucids, Macedon, Greek Leagues, a number of Gallic and Celtiberian tribes were defeated, and it seemed that Rome is invincible. However, the economic and political situation in the Republic was degrading, and the rivalry between the patricians and the plebes reached its peak. It was then, in 113 BC Rome was attacked by the Germanic tribes for the first time. The Cimbri and Teutoni moved from Jutland and Germania and raided the Roman territory. After a number of defeats, among them at the battle of Arausio - which was the worst since Hannibal, Republic has found a new savior in Gaius Marius. This brilliant general reformed the legions and defeated the Germanic tribes at the battles of Aquae Sextae in 102 BC and Vercellae in 101 BC to end this threat. Although Marian Reform was essential for the future conquests, it also planted the seeds of the future civil wars and gave the opportunity to Sulla and Caesar to end the Republic.
