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The Roman Revolution

Conflict with Sulla

The Senate still adamantly refused to enfranchise the Italians allies, fearing their influence on politics. In the late 90s, the Italian cities organized, and rebellion broke out in 91.

Rome suffered some early losses and the Senate turned to L. Cornelius Sulla, Marius' right-hand man, to rescue the situation. Sulla raised a Marian-style army and by 87 had crushed the last of the rebels. These events now brought Sulla into political prominence.

In gratitude for his service to the state, the Senate gave Sulla command of the war against audio gif Mithradates, an eastern king. This angered Marius, who felt he should receive the honor and the opportunity, and he was able to get the Senate to change its orders.

Sulla refused to disband his troops, and marched on Rome instead. He passed a series of reforms to protect his position, and had the Senate outlaw Marius. He then went East to fight Mithradates.

Marius now marched on Rome and occupied the city with his army. He undertook bloody reprisals and a systematic purge of his enemies. He also confiscated the property of his enemies and handed them out again to those who served him, especially to his veterans.

Only Marius' death in 87 brought the proscriptions to an end. His ally, audio gif Cinna, ended the bloodbath. Cinna was in control of Rome until his own death in 84.