Sula During The Civil War Essay

An example where Sulla’s severe measures in response to C. Marius is evident was during the war against the king of Pontus, Mithridates. That’s when Sulla came to an open rupture with C. Marius after the senate ordered him to be the one to undertake the position of highest command in the expedition. The same instruction, however, was given to Marius from the assembly of the people. Τhe prospect of a campaign in the East, which would yield a rich loot to him and his soldiers, fascinated Sulla, he was going to do what it takes to secure the opportunity. Sulla, used his violent ways, employing his army, to force the public to accept the Senate’s decision and halt the democratic approaches of Marius. This action was not just a conflict created at the level of political confrontation against Marius, but it also showed the role the army had already taken over. The army lost its national spirit, it took a business form and became a tool in the hands of Sulla used in order to serve his ambitions. It led to wars not intended for the greatness of Rome

He was successful in being the dominant power during the civil war. During this war there was a gap of power in the higher state axioms. Sulla was able to reactivate the old and respected ordinance of the interregnum and to initially declare himself as interrex. To achieve his political goals, he was later self-proclaimed dictator, a post he held for four years (82-79 BC). In 83 BC he started wildly pursuing the democrats that supported Marius. Over 4700 Roman citizens were executed and their properties were confiscated and sold by auction offering great fortunes to his followers. He also transferred all the legislative power to the Senate and removed the laws of the Gracchi. All of these harsh actions done in order to go against the democratic political views of Marius were very unjustified and