Justifying Sulla's Actions

1000 Words2 Pages

Of course, aside from his contemporaries and generals who questioned his reasons for marching into Rome, there were others who also questioned why Sulla decided to go to Rome. The senate, some members of the army and even some of the citizens of Rome stated that his march was unjustified and uncalled for despite Sulla’s attempts to help the Senate. Sulla violated one of the rules of the city that no armed troops are allowed in the city unless he triumphed in a siege or war. He has also violated the city boundary, also known as the pomerium, which is an act that is graver than the acts done by both Sulpicius and Marius. Some believe that Sulla only had the support of the army because they were the first professional armies that have been created to be loyal to their general and not to the country, but considering the number of generals who left him raises some questions. Sulla’s army was that of his own work and creation, which he has tested upon the Social War. They were also picked through their loyalty and relationship. Sulla also handpicked his officers based on their loyalty to him and not to the constitution . The Senate is also angry with Sulla because of his actions but they could not complain due to the amount of power and support they are getting from him. They wanted to reprimand him because he did not respect the power of the Senate and the beliefs they have been pushing for since time in memorial. He has also turned away all the ambassadors sent by the Senate to make him stop the march. He has also murdered a tribune from the heart of the nobility or the nobilitas who ignored summons. They also believed that Sulla was a double-edged blade as he was defending the cause of the nobles and not of the people. The citizens o... ... middle of paper ... ...most graphic rule as the dictator. Sulla also managed to prevent another “him” to reappear in Rome or in any region that may cause more problems for him or for anyone who would try to take over. Should another Sulla appear after the first Sulla dies and goes down from his position, the Roman history as we know it would be changed drastically as more wars and sieges would have to take place before someone can take over the country as their Emperor. But on the other hand, I cannot disagree with the argument that Sulla’s intentions on the march has a flicker of personal intensions attached into it which would have made the march completely unacceptable as it has also killed lives upon the takeover. It also exercised the use of violence as a way to take revenge which could have been resolved through diplomatic talks should it has been pushed through by both parties.

Open Document