Final answer:
The Roman general Gaius Marius recruited poor men by offering them good pay and equipment, while demanding loyalty to himself instead of the Republic, thus eroding the traditional army loyalty structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman general Gaius Marius recruited poor men into his legions by promising them good pay and equipment. Marius demanded loyalty not to the state of Rome, but to himself as the general. By eliminating the property requirement for the army, Marius enabled the poor to join and in return for an oath of loyalty, these soldiers became devoted to their general, which in turn eroded the traditional Republican system. Marius's reform of the military entrance requirements allowed even proletariats to join, thereby creating professional client armies more loyal to their commander. This shift paved the way for profound changes in Roman military and political landscapes, with soldiers looking to their generals for the distribution of war gains and land after campaigns, rather than to the state itself.