Lucius Cornelius Sulla, known to history simply as Sulla, was a towering figure in the late Roman Republic, whose actions left an indelible mark on Roman politics and society. Born in 138 BCE, Sulla’s life spanned a period of immense political upheaval, and his rise to power and subsequent rule as dictator marked a pivotal moment in Roman history.
In this article, we will delve into the life, career, and enduring legacy of Lucius Cornelius Sulla.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Sulla was born into an aristocratic but politically insignificant Roman family, and from an early age, he displayed a keen interest in military matters. He distinguished himself as a capable officer in several campaigns, earning a reputation for his strategic brilliance and unyielding determination. His military career would become the cornerstone of his eventual rise to power.
The Social War and the Rise of Sulla
Sulla’s most significant early achievement came during the Social War (91-87 BCE), a conflict in which Rome faced a coalition of its Italian allies demanding Roman citizenship rights. Sulla’s leadership and decisive victories against the rebels earned him the admiration of his troops and a reputation as a formidable general.
The First Mithridatic War
After the Social War, Sulla was appointed to lead Rome’s forces in the First Mithridatic War (89-85 BCE) against King Mithridates VI of Pontus. However, his command was soon overshadowed by events in Rome, as political turmoil erupted into a full-scale civil war.
The First Civil War
In 88 BCE, while Sulla was campaigning in the East, conflict erupted in Rome between the conservative Optimates, who supported Sulla, and the populist Populares, led by Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Cinna. Marius and Cinna seized power and declared Sulla an enemy of the state. Sulla responded with a daring and audacious move: he led his legions in a march on Rome itself, igniting what would become known as the First Civil War (88-87 BCE).
Dictatorship and Proscriptions
Sulla emerged victorious in the First Civil War, and in 82 BCE, he returned to Rome as an absolute ruler. He was appointed dictator with unprecedented powers, which allowed him to enact sweeping reforms and settle scores with his political enemies.
Sulla’s proscriptions, a series of brutal purges, resulted in the deaths of thousands of perceived enemies of the state, with their property confiscated and redistributed to Sulla’s supporters. Modern historians have estimated that about 520 wealthy opponents of Sulla were included in these proscriptions, as opposed to the presumably exaggerated number of 4,700.
Constitutional Reforms
Despite the brutal nature of his rise to power, Sulla implemented a series of constitutional reforms aimed at restoring the traditional power of the Roman Senate. He increased the Senate’s authority at the expense of the popular assemblies and limited the powers of the tribunes. Sulla also sought to strengthen the position of the aristocracy, establishing a new balance of power in Rome.
Retirement and Death
In 79 BCE, Sulla resigned the dictatorship and retired from public life, an action which surprised nearly everyone as it was virtually unheard of in Roman politics. He spent his final years writing his memoirs, which offered a unique insight into his life and motivations.
Sulla died peacefully in 78 BCE in his villa outside of Rome, leaving behind a transformed Roman political landscape and a legacy that would influence future leaders, most notably Julius Caesar.
Legacy
Sulla’s legacy is a complex one. While his ruthless pursuit of power and the violence of his proscriptions are remembered as some of the darkest moments in Roman history, his constitutional reforms had a lasting impact. Sulla’s actions set a precedent for military leaders to seize power in Rome, a pattern that would ultimately contribute to the downfall of the Republic.
Moreover, Sulla’s rise to power and the subsequent power struggles paved the way for the ascension of Julius Caesar and the end of the Roman Republic. Sulla’s career serves as a cautionary tale of how political ambition, military might, and ruthless tactics could shape the course of history, leaving a profound impact on the Roman world.
Timeline
Below is a timeline of key events in the life of Lucius Cornelius Sulla:
- 138 BC: Lucius Cornelius Sulla is born in Rome, Italy.
- 107 BC: Sulla serves as a military tribune under Gaius Marius in the Jugurthine War against King Jugurtha of Numidia.
- 91 BC: Sulla serves as quaestor (a Roman magistrate responsible for financial matters) in the province of Asia. The Social War, a conflict with Rome’s Italian allies, erupts.
- 88 BC: Sulla is elected consul for the first time alongside Gnaeus Octavius.
- 87 BC: Sulla is appointed to lead the Roman forces against the Italian allies in the Social War.
- 83 BC: Sulla returns to Rome and marches his army on the city, igniting the First Roman Civil War against Gaius Marius and his supporters.
- 82 BC: Sulla’s forces defeat those of Marius and his ally, Lucius Cornelius Cinna, at the Battle of the Colline Gate in Rome. Sulla becomes dictator, marking the first time in Roman history that a dictator’s powers were unlimited.
- 81 BC: Sulla resigns as dictator and is elected consul for the second time. He proceeds to enact a series of proscriptions, purging his political enemies and confiscating their property.
- 80 BC: Sulla passes a series of political reforms known as the Lex Cornelia, which consolidates the power of the Senate and limits the power of the popular assemblies.
- 79 BC: Sulla retires from politics and public life, withdrawing to a villa in the countryside.
- 78 BC: Sulla dies in his villa at Puteoli (modern-day Pozzuoli) near Naples.
Fictional Diary Entry from Sulla
Below is an attempt at writing a fictional diary entry from Sulla, with the aim of making his character and history come to life. Enjoy!
Date: 81 BCE
Dear Diary,
Today was a day of triumph and turmoil, as so many have been in my tumultuous life. The weight of responsibility rests heavily upon my shoulders, for I have assumed the role of dictator and guardian of the Roman Republic.
As I look upon the city of Rome, I cannot help but feel a mixture of pride and sorrow. The path I have taken to reach this point has been one of bloodshed and sacrifice. The proscriptions and purges have left their mark on this city, and the streets whisper tales of my actions.
The Senate, now under my control, grants me unprecedented power. My reforms are reshaping the very fabric of the Republic, and I am determined to restore order to this once-great state. The Lex Cornelia is a testament to my vision, consolidating the Senate’s authority and reining in the excesses of the popular assemblies.
Yet, I am not blind to the criticism and resentment that swirl around me. Many view me as a tyrant, a usurper of the traditional Roman way of life. The legacy I leave behind is a complex one, filled with both admiration and disdain.
On a more personal note, I find solace in the company of my trusted confidants and the comforts of my villa. Valeria, my wife, remains a loyal companion despite the rumors that have plagued our marriage. She is a source of strength and stability in these tumultuous times.
As I retire to my chambers tonight, I am left to contemplate the path I have chosen. The future of Rome and its people rests in my hands, and I am resolved to do what I believe is necessary, regardless of the cost. Until tomorrow, Diary, when I face another day in the relentless storm that is the Roman Republic.
Vale,
Lucius Cornelius Sulla
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