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Sulla

Type Figure Region Italy Time c. -138–-78 Also known as Lucius Cornelius Sulla、Sulla Felix

Late Roman Republic general and dictator, a noble long opposed to Marius; he campaigned against Pontus, first marched an army on Rome, issued proscri…

Timeline

  1. c. -138–-92Rome · LazioFrom the declined Cornelian gens, he spent his early years in theatrical and social circles, then entered politics through judicial and administrative posts; serving alongside Marius in the Jugurthine and Social Wars, resentments deepened, foreshadowing their later political and military rivalry.
  2. -88Rome · LazioAfter the Marian senate stripped him of his eastern command, Sulla marched his army from Campania against Rome, defeated the Marian garrison, set a dire precedent of a Roman general using force in the city's politics, and after passing a law exiling Marius's followers campaigned east against the Kingdom of Pontus.
  3. -87–-83Asia Minor · Asia MinorDuring the eastern campaign he defeated King Mithridates of Pontus and his allies, recovering Greece and the eastern provinces; meanwhile the Marians held power in Italy and purged Sulla's supporters, so Sulla returned to Italy with his army in 83 and defeated Marian remnants at battles including the Colline Gate.
  4. -82–-79Rome · LazioAppointed dictator without time limit, he enacted constitutional reforms stripping the popularis, strengthening senatorial and equestrian jury powers, and curbing the tribunes; after large-scale proscriptions and executions of opponents, he voluntarily resigned the dictatorship in 79 and retired, dying in Campania the following year.

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