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Question 1

Consul?

Answer 1

CONSULS who commanded the army, convened and presided over the Senate and the popular assemblies and executed their decrees, and represented the state in foreign affairs.

Question 2

Sulla’s dictatorship is the primary reason that in the future…

Answer 2

…people would be so afraid of one man having too much power.

Question 3

Praetor?

Answer 3

were high-ranking magistrates that served in the ancient Roman government. Praetors played the role of judicial and military supervision and were only below the consuls in terms of power rank.

Question 4

Sulla 97 BC?

Answer 4

Praetor urbanos

Question 5

Who is responsible in the first place, for the stretching of the elastic band?

Answer 5

Gaius Marius

Question 6

Which officials are novos Homos?

Answer 6

Gaius Marius
Cicero

Question 7

115 BC Marius?

Answer 7

Praetor Urbanos

Question 8

THE TRIBUNE OF THE PLEBS

Answer 8

was a protector of the common people or plebians. He had the power to veto legislation in the Senate and could introduce legislation as well. He could protect a plebian from unjust punishment by a magistrate and prosecute and administer sentences.

Question 9

The AEDILES

Answer 9

were responsible for maintenance of public buildings (aedēs) and regulation of public festivals. They also had powers to enforce public order and duties to ensure the city of Rome was well supplied and its civil infrastructure well maintained, akin to modern local government. Two Plebeian Aediles and two patrician were elected

Question 10

Where did Sulla distinguish himself firstly?

Answer 10

The Numidian war under Marias’s charge

Question 11

QUAESTORS

Answer 11

were elected officials who supervised the state treasury and conducted audits. When assigned to provincial governors, the duties were mainly administrative and logistical, but also could expand to encompass military leadership and command.

Question 12

Sulla early life summarized -

Answer 12

He was from a wealthy family, and lived in lodgings when he was younger. As he grew older he hung around with actors/actresses (prostitutes, high class prostitutes were very wealthy) and shared their dissolute lifestyle. He had loved a wealthy woman and was left her heir, and also gained property from his step mother. This left him moderately well off. There was so little money in Rome there were restrictions on how much jewelry you could own - they melted some down to use as money in the Roman army. As a result of his great grandfather, his family was disgraced and his father did not talk to him. His father wanted him to stop hanging around actors. Sulla’s girlfriend was a prostitute, and it is possible that he killed her.

Question 13

List of examples of Sulla’s wrongdoings against Rome?

Answer 13

Marched on Rome
Was a dictator
Killed a consul and then had himself elected the following year (80 BC)

Question 14

Sulla’s positions —>

Answer 14

97 BC - Praetor Urbanos

88 BC - Consul (was chased from Rome by the tribunate)

81 - 79 BC - dictator

Question 15

Marius’s positions?

Answer 15

115 BC - Praetor Urbanos

109-108 BC - sent as commander against King Jugurtha who had become an enemy of Rome.

108 BC - consul

Question 16

Legislation he passed/ important moments

Answer 16

He passed a law which allowed the men of the head count to enrol in the legions/army. Before this, you need a certain amount of wealth to be able to enlist. Marius got rid of this qualification which meant any man could join the legions. This resulted in thousands of men owing their military careers to Marius, which fewed a lot of opposition and was supposed to be temporary.

Question 17

What did Sulpicius do during Sulla’s consulship? What was the result?

Answer 17

During Sulla’s consulship, Sulpicius, using armed gangs and 600 equestrians as a bodyguard had ‘convinced’ the Assembly to remove Sulla’s eastern command and had it transferred it to Marius. Marius then deployed two military tribunes to assume command of Sulla’s army. Sulla then gave a speech to his 3,500 soldiers, which made them loyal to him - and when Marius’s legions turned up, slaughtered all of them. They then commenced their march on Rome to take back what was rightfully theirs. When asked why he would march soldiers against his own country, he replied, “to deliver her from tyrants”. Sulla, the first person to conquer Rome, then overturned Marius and Sulpicius’ actions and reinstated himself as consul. Sulla and his legions had the coveted eastern command again, and Marius was forced to flee Rome. Sulla laid siege in Athens between 87-86 BC, it was during this time he heard the news that Marius and his faction had returned and captured Rome, passing a decree which declared Sulla an enemy of the state. Marius then cut off money from Sulla’s campaign, so he was forced to tax the local Greeks to fund his campaign. Suddenly, back in Rome, Marius died from pneumonia in 86 BCE.

Question 18

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
105 BC?

Answer 18

Marius was unconstitutionally elected in absentia to his second consulship.
When he (Marius) had crossed to Africa, Metellus [an aristocratic enemy of Marius who had been fighting in Africa], now became a victim of jealousy, and vexed because, after he had brought the war to an end and had nothing further to do than to seize the person Jugurtha, [African King that Rome was at war with], Marius was coming to enjoy the crown and the triumph, - a man whose ingratitude towards his benefactor had raised him to power, - would not consent to meet him, but privately left the country while Rutilisus, who had become his legate, handed over the army to Marius.

And in the end a retribution [Payback] fell upon Marius; for Sulla robbed him of the glory of his success, as Marius had robbed Metellus.

But when Jugurtha in his flight and wandering felt compelled to make him his last hope and sought haven with him, Bocchus received him, more out of regard for his position as a suppliant than from goodwill, and kept him in his hands.

But when Sulla had come to him in all confidence, Bocchus experienced a change of heart and felt repentant, and for many days wavered in his plans, deliberating whether to surrender Jugurtha or to hold Sulla as a prisoner. Finally, however, he decided upon his first plan of treachery, and put Jugurtha alive into the hands of Sulla.

This was the first bitter and incurable hatred between Marius and Sulla, which nearly brought Rome to ruin. For many wished Sulla to have the glory of the affair because they hated Marius, and Sulla himself had a seal-ring made, which he used to wear, on which engraved was the surrender of Jugurtha to hi by Bocchus.

Question 19

Who did Sulla fight in 83 BC? What was the result?

Answer 19

In 83 BC Sulla landed in Italy with 5 legions (leaving behind his original 2 in Asia to keep the peace). Many of the younger generation believed that he would win and found support from Crassus and a young Pompey. A battle ensued between Sulla and his supporters and the consular armies led by Carbo and the son of Marius and their Samnite allies.

The final decisive occurred on 1st November 82 BC outside of the Collins Gate of Rome - Sulla was victorious and the younger Marius committed suicide. The Samnites were slaughtered and Sulla then sent Pompey to the provinces to finish off the last of the Marias supporters

Question 20

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
91 BC? (context +)

Answer 20

The social war broke out

Question 22

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
88 BC?

Answer 22

88 BC - The First Mithridatic War began: Mithridates VI invaded the Roman province of Asia in response to a Roman-backed invasion of Pontus by the neighbouring king of Bithynia, Nicomedes IV. The Social War ended in a Roman victory, with Sulla gaining much glory and power as a result. Marius, on the other hand, gained little, despite having played a crucial role in the War. That same year, Sulla was elected consul prior, while a proposal to transfer command in Asia from Sulla to Marius was duly decreed (someone used armed guards to threaten the senate for this to happen). Sulla, however, refused to give up control of his 35,000 strong army and went on to take Rome and defeats Marius. The latter, by then aged 70, fled to Africa where he famously despaired of his misfortunes amid the ruins of Carthage.

Question 24

Why were Sulla’s reforms significant?

Answer 24

Since quaestors are elected by people in the future it meant that the senate was also indirectly elected by the people. Tribunes were no longer allowed to propose legislation to the people, were deprived of their judical powers and their right to veto was limited. Most importantly if you were a tribune you were then ineligble for any other office - creating a political dead end. Individuals would no longer seek to be tribunes as they were political dead ends.

Question 25

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
87 - 89 BC?

Answer 25

87 - 89 BC - Sulla was away from Rome fighting a war against Mithridates, a sworn enemy of Rome and was King of Bithynia. While he was away Marius appeared back. In his return, Marius and Cinna declared themselves consuls - and when Marius dies Cinna and Carbo (Supporter of Marius) declare Sulla a public enemy and killed many of his opposition.

Question 26

What years is Sulla dictator for?

Answer 26

82 BC - 79 BC

Question 27

How did the norms of elections go about during Sulla’s dictatorship?

Answer 27

Sulla observed the normal procedure from the start of his dictatorship and allowed consular elections. In 81 BC one of the consuls were killed after going against one of Sulla’s order and the following year Sulla had himself elected. The next year however, in 79BC Sulla refused re-election as he wanted to increase the power and authority of the senate - many had been killed in the social upheave and now stood at 150 strong.

Question 28

What were Sulla’s reforms?

Answer 28

Sulla decided to increase the membership to 500-600 members. These new members would be supporters of Sulla so to strengthen his position, but also many senators of local aristocracies from the cities of Italy. This was possible to heal the breach between Rome and the allies but also to increase the amount of jurors available in the city as Sulla wanted to reform the law courts. The number of quaestors were raised from 12 to 24 and all ex-quaestors were to join the senate. Since quaestors are elected by people in the future it meant that the senate was also indirectly elected by the people.

Sulla introduced radical change to the tribunate. Tribunes were no longer allowed to propose legislation to the people, were deprived of their judical powers and their right to veto was limited. Most importantly if you were a tribune you were then ineligble for any other office - creating a political dead end.

Sulla also decided to rigidly enforce the cursus honorum. In these laws no man could be consul before 42 and shoul have a period of 10 years between consulships.

Sulla also looked to control provincial governers (those people that controlled provinces). The senate would decide which provinces were given to which people rather than by lot and the term was only for one year. Laws were also put in place to control the magistrate, for example, they could not start a war upon their own intitiative or march.

Sulla looked also to reform the law courts. Courts were set up to try the accused by trial by jury rather than before the people. Different courts tried different types of crimes, e.g forgery, treason or bribery. Penalties were fixed and there was no appeal. The senate were given the right to appoint the juries and although this was contreversial at first it remained in place for the forseeable future.

Question 29

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
87 BC?

Answer 29

In 87 BC Lucius Cornelias Cinna became consul. When he tried to register the new citizens (acquired at the end of the Social war) in all 35 tribes, rioting broke out. Cinna was driven from the city where he took over Sulla’s legion and then led his troops towards Rome, recruiting more on the way. Meanwhile, Marius and his army landed in Etruria (North of Rome) and raised more troops among his veterans and went on to capture Ostia. Cinna joined forces with Marius; together they marched on Rome.

When Cinna took the city, he revoked Sulla’s law against Marius and the other exiles. Marius then took revenge and killed 14 prominent senators, a slaughter by their standard.

Question 30

How was Sulla appointed dictator?

Answer 30

As there were no consuls an interrex was put into place to rule temporarily as was normal procedure. However, what was nor normal was that this interrex (probably forced by Sulla) introduced a bill that appointed Sulla as dictator. Normally, a dictator would have absolute power for 6 months, but unusually in this case, Sulla had supreme power for as long as he wished, although he was free to resign if he wished to.

Question 31

What did Sulla do 81 BC?

Answer 31

81 BC Sulla had received word that his political enemies meant to put him on trial for war crimes and in order to prevent this, Sulla decided to march his army on the city of Rome and fought a civil war with other Roman forces.

Question 32

What caused the power vacuum of 84 BC?

Answer 32

Cinna, consul of Rome, was stoned due to his massive unpopularity creating a huge power vacuum which allowed Sulla to march on Rome

Question 33

Timeline of the conflict between Sulla and Marius
86 BC?

Answer 33

In 86 BC Cinna and Marius were both re elected consuls for 86, but Marius died a few days later.

86 BC - Marius dies

Question 34

Summarise Sulla’s reign of terror, 83-80 BC

Answer 34

Sulla’r proscriptions of his political opponents

Plutarch recounts that 6000 equites were killed in the circus

Rewards given for the heads of enemies

People with money targeted, because Sulla needed land and money for his soldiers.

Sulla proclaimed Dictator by Centuriate Assembly

Sulla’s settlement

Enlarged membership of senate

Reformed court system

Abolished trials before Public Assemblies

Separate courts for different types of crimes

New Courts staffed by Senate members only

Restricted access to consulship

Stripped tribuneship of its power

Restricted powers of provincial governor.

Question 35

109 BC Marius and Metellus?

Answer 35

In 109 BCE, Consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus was assigned to conclude the ongoing embarrassing conflict with the wily King Jugurtha of Numidia. Metellus, in turn, appointed Marius as his legate (a general or governor), which was an immense opportunity. The two traveled to Africa where they retrained the legions and attempted to engage Jugurtha, but Marius eventually concluded that Metellus’ leadership was lacking and his strategy was too conservative.
So, Marius sailed to Rome where he implemented an effective campaign strategy of pandering to the lowest strata of society and thoroughly demonizing the aristocracy. His ploy worked, and he was resoundingly elected to the consulship of 107 BCE. Then he flexed his political muscle, thanklessly stripped Metellus of the Numidian command, and then had it transferred to himself.

Question 36

What did Sulla do to Marius’s command?

Answer 36

When he (Marius) had crossed to Africa, Metellus [an aristocratic enemy of Marius who had been fighting in Africa], now became a victim of jealousy, and vexed because, after he had brought the war to an end and had nothing further to do than to seize the person Jugurtha, [African King that Rome was at war with], Marius was coming to enjoy the crown and the triumph, - a man whose ingratitude towards his benefactor had raised him to power, would not consent to meet him, but privately left the country while Rutilisus, who had become his legate, handed over the army to Marius.

And in the end a retribution [Payback] fell upon Marius; for Sulla robbed him of the glory of his success, as Marius had robbed Metellus.

But when Jugurtha in his flight and wandering felt compelled to make him his last hope and sought haven with him, Bocchus [who???] received him, more out of regard for his position as a suppliant than from goodwill, and kept him in his hands.

But when Sulla had come to him in all confidence, Bocchus experienced a change of heart and felt repentant, and for many days wavered in his plans, deliberating whether to surrender Jugurtha or to hold Sulla as a prisoner. Finally, however, he decided upon his first plan of treachery, and put Jugurtha alive into the hands of Sulla.

This was the first bitter and incurable hatred between Marius and Sulla, which nearly brought Rome to ruin. For many wished Sulla to have the glory of the affair because they hated Marius, and Sulla himself had a seal-ring made, which he used to wear, on which engraved was the surrender of Jugurtha to hi by Bocchus.

By constantly using this ring Sulla provoked Marius, who was an ambitious man, loath to share glory with another, amd quarrelsome. And the enemies of Marius gave Sulla most encouragement, by attributing the first and great success of the war to Metellus, but the last, and the termination of it, to Sulla, so that the people might cease admiring Marius and giving him their chief allegiance.