born 0441; 138
died 79 BC, Puteoli, near Naples
Victor in the Roman civil war (8882) and dictator (8279).
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.
Sulla, marble bust; in the Vatican Museum.
Alinari/Art Resource, New York