78 BC

Events in 78 BC 1

• 88 BC – 78 BC Sulla — first march on Rome Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a general of the optimates faction, marches his legions on Rome in 88 BC after the popular assembly strips him of his eastern command — the first time a Roman general uses his army against the city itself. He captures Rome, kills his opponents, and departs for the east. On his return in 83 BC he wins a civil war, is appointed dictator, and carries out the first proscriptions — published death lists of political enemies. He resigns voluntarily in 79 BC. The precedent of using army against city is now set.