born с 138
died 79 BC, Puteoli, near Naples
Victor in the Roman civil war (88–82) and dictator (82–79).
He fought alongside 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 {{link=dictator">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