Sulla, marble bust; in the Vatican Museum. [Credit: Alinari/Art Resource, New York](born &circa; 138—died 79 &BC;, Puteoli, near Naples) Victor in the Roman civil war (88–82) and
dictator (82–79). He fought alongside
Gaius Marius against
Jugurtha, whose capture through Sulla's trickery led to a break with Marius.
After being made consul, he was given command in the war against Mithradates VI; when Marius was named to replace him, he marched on Rome, and Marius fled. Though he succeeded in subduing Mithradates, the reigning popular party declared him a public enemy. From southern Italy he marched again successfully on Rome (83). Proclaimed dictator with no time limit (at which time he took the name Felix, “Lucky”), he reestablished the power of the Senate, increased the number of criminal courts, and passed new treason and citizen-protection laws, but he became chiefly known for his ruthlessness. He resigned in 79 and died that year.
This is the complete article, containing 145 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on Lucius Cornelius Sulla