Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix

About

Roman general and statesman who served as a brutal dictator from 82 BC to 79 BC. He won the first large-scale civil war in Roman history and became the first man of the Republic to seize power through force. He is famous for his proscriptions, which were lists of people considered enemies of the Roman state and could be legally killed by anyone.

Before Fame

He was born into a poor family. He received inheritances from his step-mother and lover which gave him the resources to move into politics.

Trivia

After three years as the most powerful person in Rome, he retired from public life in 79 BC. He lived at his country estate near Puteoli in Naples. He wrote his memoirs and died at age 60.

Family Life

He was married five times. He had five children and his last child, Cornelia Postuma, was born after his death.

Associated With

He and Nerva were both famous Roman rulers.