History Shorts: Sulla becomes Dictator of Rome (82 B.C.)

Rome experienced dramatic social upheaval from the end of the Third Punic War (149 B.C.) until the Battle of Actium (31 B.C.). Conflict between upper and lower classes and Roman citizens and non-citizens dominated politics. In 82 B.C., Sulla decided to end the upheaval by marching his army into Rome, seizing power, and ushering in “reform” designed to strengthen the upper class. As part of his program, he purged the city of political opponents. He stepped down as dictator in 81 B.C. His reforms did not stand the test of time. However, he established a precedent which many generals followed in the subsequent centuries. Julius Caesar remembered the dictatorship and pogrom and followed in Sulla’s footsteps. However, Caesar did not willingly relinquish power nor did he murder his political opponents. Sulla’s actions provided an example to Caesar.



Marius vs. Sulla:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0mWa1zqpm8&feature=related