After taking control of Rome, Sulla was declared dictator in 82 BCE, a position that granted him supreme power. Sulla’s dictatorship was marked by a ruthless campaign to consolidate his authority and eliminate his political enemies. One of his most infamous actions was the implementation of the proscriptions—a series of official lists of individuals who were declared enemies of the state. These individuals were often killed on sight, and their properties were confiscated. The proscriptions allowed Sulla to rid Rome of his political opponents and secure the loyalty of his supporters.

Sulla’s rule as dictator was characterized by harsh retribution. Many senators and prominent figures were executed, while others were forced into exile. The proscriptions, while intended to stabilize Sulla’s rule, left a legacy of fear and distrust. The killings were not just limited to political adversaries; innocent individuals were often caught in the purges, leading to widespread terror throughout Rome.

Reforms and the Restoration of the Senate

Once he had eliminated his enemies and secured his power, Sulla turned his attention to reforming the Roman Republic. His reforms were aimed at strengthening the power of the Senate and curbing the influence of popular assemblies and tribunes, which had gained power in the years leading up to his dictatorship.

One of Sulla’s major reforms was the reorganization of the Senate. He greatly expanded its membership and strengthened its role in the government, essentially returning the Senate to its former dominance in Roman politics. Sulla also passed laws to limit the power of the tribunes, who had increasingly used their position to bypass the Senate and appeal directly to the people. By restricting their powers, Sulla sought to restore the traditional aristocratic balance in Roman governance.

Sulla’s other reforms focused on the legal and military systems. He introduced new laws designed to streamline the legal process, and he took steps to ensure that military commands were not granted to individuals based on popularity or political influence but were instead assigned based on merit. These reforms were designed to make the Roman state more stable, but in practice, they often alienated the people and made Roman politics even more deeply entrenched in the hands of the elite. shutdown123