Lucius Cornelius Sulla

957 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Role of Lucius Cornelius Sulla in the Roman Republic

Lucius Cornelius Sulla

From a rather humble beginning Lucius Cornelius Sulla rose to become a great politician and a powerful general in the Roman Republic. As a general, Sulla lead Roman armies to many victories. As a politician he became a powerful dictator and yet was responsible for bringing about many reforms. This essay will prove how he was a great dictator, politician and general, through discussing his background, his military and political career, his dictatorship, and his accomplishments in his later years.

Sulla was born near Rome, into a politically unimportant patrician family in 138 B.C. He received a good education and lived a normal life. After his father died he was forced to live in a run-down neighborhood. He received a good income but did not have enough to qualify him for military service. He became a play writer, and made many friends in the theater where family background didn't matter. Shortly before his 30th birthday something significant occurred. His stepmother died and left him a large amount of money. Now Sulla could begin his political career. In 108 B.C. he was elected to be one of the quaestors or financial officials of Rome.

After he became quaestor, he served under the consul Gaius Marius in the war against king Jugurtha of Numidia. Before Sulla's involvement most of Rome's efforts had failed, but Sulla brought an advantage to the Romans. Even though Rome defeated Jugurtha tensions between Sulla and Marius began to grow. Sulla believed he was the real reason for Rome's victory.

Soon the two were back together and this time they were defending Rome against the Germanic people. Sulla provided excellent military service and leadership. Sulla and Marius soon defeated the...

... middle of paper ...

...ctatorship in 81 B.C.

In 79 B.C. Sulla retired from politics and moved to his estate in Puteoli, Campania. He may have sensed his death for once a great philosopher told him he would die at the height of his career. He began writing his memoirs and finished them two days before he died in 78 B.C. of a fever. The Senate gave Sulla a public funeral.

In conclusion, Lucius Cornelius (Felix) Sulla was an excellent military leader, a powerful politician, and an influential dictator. He brought the Republic of Rome to the height of its successes. By his example he unknowingly paved the way for Julius Caesar to become the next dictator of Rome. After his death the Senate constructed a monument to him, inscribed in it is "Here lies Sulla Felix, a man who never forgave an enemy or forgot a friend."(Rosalie 53)

Show More
Related

  • Lucius Cornelius Sulla And The Republic

    1672 Words  | 4 Pages

    No words speak so succinctly of his political ideology as these. Sulla’s earlier career had not been that of an orthodox Optimate. Though he belonged to an old patrician family, it had long slid into obscurity and poverty. Plutarch suggests that a legacy from his step-mother and another from a mistress helped him, somewhat late, to a public career (Plutarch, p. 327). Plutarch was a Greek historian who wrote more than a century after Sulla’s death.

    Read More

  • Gnaeus Pompey and the fall of the Roman Republic

    790 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although Pompey’s quest for power through military achievements was harmful to the Republic, this power was bestowed upon him by the Senate. Thus the already weakened Republican system must bear some responsibility for its own demise. According to the modern historian Williams, after the Gracchi, there was a “slow but discernable decline in both the prestige and authority of the Senate”. This indicates that the Senate had already lost some of its power after being challenged by these reformist brothers, which suggests its inability to stand up to the power of individuals. According to the same author, after showing “remarkable initiative by raising an army to support Sulla and fighting the supporters of Marius in Sicily and Africa, Pompey demanded a triumph” despite being well aware that he was underage and had held not military position. This is verified by Pliny who writes that after such conquests, Pompey had been given the title of “The Gr...

    Read More

  • The Effect Of Emperor Augustus Caesar's Effect On Western Civilization

    702 Words  | 2 Pages

    Augustus Caesar spent his time as ruler making Rome a peaceful place. He died on August 19, 14 A.D in Nola, Italy. His last words to his subjects was “ I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble,” but to his friends he said “Have I played the part well? Then applaud me as I exit.” Soon after that the Roman Senate officially declared their departed emperor, to be a god.

    Read More

  • Sulla and the Downfall of the Roman Republic

    1710 Words  | 4 Pages

    Lucius Cornelius Sulla was born in 138 B.C.E, into a prominent Roman patrician family but not a wealthy one. He received a good education, as Sallust, a reliable unbiased Roman plebeian historian and politician, suggests, “…and was fluent in both Roman and Greek” (Sallust, 43 AD. Histories), which was a sign of high education in Rome (Cavazzi, F. 2014). Sulla was a general and lieutenant of the Roman Army, was elected twice for consulship before he became dictator in 81 B.C.E. His background in the military may be a strong influence on the way Sulla ruled and how his ruling lead to the downfall of the Roman Republic (Plutarch, 79 B.C.E. Life of Sulla).

    Read More

  • Harry S. Truman and Julius Caesar Research Paper

    904 Words  | 2 Pages

    Julius Caesar was one of Rome’s most memorable leaders because of the wars he won and the way his life was ended. Caesar was born in 100 B.C. His mother was Aurelia Caesar who supposedly birthed him by Caesarean section. Caesar’s father was Gaius Caesar. His family had noble, patrician roots, but they were neither rich nor influential during this period. Although Caesar was only a noble he believed that he was higher than other mortals and viewed himself as a descendant of the gods. He looked very highly upon himself a...

    Read More

  • The Significance of the Gracchi

    1594 Words  | 4 Pages

    These changes could be felt long after the death of the Gracchi, which is evident in the powerful political armies of Marius and Sulla. In conclusion, The Gracchi were significant figures in Roman history for the short and long term consequences that resulted from their actions, acting as perceptive idealistic men who were concerned for the greater good of Rome at a time when it was atypical to do so. Works Cited:.. Bradley, Pamela. Ancient Rome. 1999

    Read More

  • Julius Caesar Biography

    1171 Words  | 3 Pages

    In 79 BC Caesar saved the life of a citizen in battle for which he was presented the civic crown (oak leaves). Caesar was sent on a mission to the embassy to Nicomedes, by his general to obtain a fleet of ships and he was successful. Caesar was known as a powerful speaker, so when the dictator Sulla died in 78, Caesar returned back to Rome and started a career as a lawyer. Caesar advanced within the Roman political system. In 69 BC, he became the financial advisor. In 65 BC, he became an assistant to the tribune. In 62 BC, he became a commander of an army. Once finished with the army, he became the Roman province of Spain’s Governor. Once Caesar completed his term as governor, he returned to Rome and was elected into consulship. A year after joining the consulship, Caesar became the Roman Gaul Governor. He held this term for eight years. While in the office of Governor, Caesar added France and Belgium to the Roman Empire making Rome safe from the possibility of Gallic invasions.

    Read More

  • Caesars Conquest Of Gaul

    2383 Words  | 5 Pages

    Gaius Julius Caesar, born 100 B.C.E. in Rome to the impoverished patrician Julian Clan, knew controversy at an early age. Nephew to Populare Gaius Marius, he was earmarked by the Optimate dictator Sulla for prosciption after his refusal to divorce his Populare wife, Cinna. Fleeing Rome, and not returning until after Sulla’s resignation in 78 B.C.E, upon his return he gained a position as a pontificate, an important Roman priesthood. Slowly but surely throughout his lifetime he worked his way up the political ladder, eventually becoming Consul, and finally Dictator Perpeteus – Dictator for life. One of the most influential political and military leaders of all time, Caesar was also a highly intelligent man and an exceptional orator. However, acquiring this absolute power was no mean feat, and Caesar had well equipped himself through previous expeditions with all the resources necessary to gain power in Ancient Rome.

    Read More

  • Livy’s The Rise of Rome

    1439 Words  | 3 Pages

    Livy begins early in establishing the basic characteristics of Romulus, arguably the most notable Roman in history. Romulus and his brother Remus were “energetic young men, who [were]… strengthened… in body and spirit.” (Livy 9). Livy then describes the clash of these attributes between the two brothers, as Romulus and Remus battle for supremacy. “From a war of words, anger turned them to bloodshed. In the heat of the melee, Remus met his death.” (Livy 11). Livy wastes no time in establishing the brutal tradition of war that helped to extend the Roman Empire. Romulus came to power because of force, and furthered his rule by the same means: “By brute force and without strategy the Roman king prevailed, using the might of his veteran army alone.” (Livy 20). This overwhelm...

    Read More

  • The Catiline Conspiracy

    836 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sallust was an obscure historical writer from the first century BCE. In The War With Catiline, he tells of the conspiracy of Catiline and his plan to bring about civil war in Rome and over power the Senate. Sallust depicts this historical event very fairly and with a seemingly unbiased attitude, although he was not involved in any way with or against the conspirators. It was said that in this period of time things had been going very well, “…Our country had grown great through toil and the practice of justice, when great kings had been vanquished in war, savage tribes and mighty peoples subdued by force of arms, when Carthage, the rival of Rome’s sway, had perished root and branch, and all seas and lands were open…” This time of absolute supremacy gave way to a generation of Romans who were greedy and power hungry. Sallust viewed this...

    Read More

  • Romulus Character Analysis

    1034 Words  | 3 Pages

    Rome, even at its beginnings, proved to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s rapid growth and accumulation of power and repeated victories over powerful neighbors set Rome in a position of great authority and influence. As the leader of early Rome, Romulus’ effective command of his men and governance of his people provided the foundation for the building of a great city. Livy emphasizes Romulus’ possible divine origins and strong ties to deities as a validation and reinforcement of his ability to rule. A nation’s sole defense cannot be just bricks and mortar, it requires an army and a will and Romulus was able to successfully take action against the aggressors when action was needed.

    Read More

  • Titus Livius: The Early History of Rome

    1126 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Titus Livius’, The Early History of Rome, Livy takes on the task of documenting Rome’s early history and some of the famous individuals who help contribute to the ‘greatness’ of Rome. Livy dedicates an entire portion of his writing to describe the reigns of the first seven kings of Rome; all who influence the formation and governance of Rome in some way. However, of the seven kings in early Roman history, King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius achieved godlike worship and high esteem from their fellow Romans. While both highly important and respected figures in Rome’s history, the personalities and achievements of King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius are complete opposites of one another. Despite the differences found in each king and of their rule over Rome, both Romulus and Numa Pompilius have a tremendous influence in the prosperity and expansion of Rome in its early days.

    Read More

  • The Fall of The Roman Republic

    878 Words  | 2 Pages

    After marching to Rome, Sulla became dictator in 82 BC. After Sulla, the First Triumvirate: Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar, owned virtually all power in Rome, yet each had his own desire to defeat the other two and become Emperor. When Crassus died in battle, Caesar had his chance. He defeated Pompey and marched to Rome, victorious. After declaring himself Dictator for Life, Caesar was assassinated, and another Civil War ensued.... ...

    Read More

  • Julius Caesar Biography

    1402 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...lifetime he held important title in the Roman Republic, and also contributed to the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He ended the Republic System in Rome. He was a amibious person who restored the Republic through his dictatorial leadership. Julius Caesar was an influential leader among the Roman citizens, he provided hope and a strong foundation, that lasted for ages. He was one of the most rich orators and latin prose authors, he was killed before finishing his life’s work. Because of his achievement, he is one of the few individuals who changed the course of history. He definitely changed the asspescts of the Roman Empire. He will always be remembered. Julius Caesar was known for brilliant war tactics and politics. He was remembered as being bold and brave, he was policitcal mastermind. He helped to expand the Roman empire and lands.

    Read More

  • How Did Julius Caesar Dictator Misunderstood

    1741 Words  | 4 Pages

    “I love the name of honor more than I fear death” (“Gaius”, Illustrated). I said this because I believe that it is important to do something honorable even if you have to die. It is considered honorable to die bravely in war instead of running away like a coward. This related to my purpose because it shows how courageous I was and how I was willing to die for my republic in war, making me a honorable leader in Rome’s history. I believe I was the greatest ruler of Rome in history because I ran my government to succeed. I feel no one is worthy of any power except myself, the best ruler of Rome, and this was only achievable with my political relationships, military experience, and government tactics.

    Read More

More about Lucius Cornelius Sulla

Open Document