Summary
Overview
This episode chronicles the dramatic conclusion of Rome's first civil war between Sulla and the Marians, exploring how Sulla's unprecedented military victory and subsequent dictatorship forever changed Roman politics. Despite his conservative ideals, Sulla's march on Rome and ruthless consolidation of power created a template for future autocrats, ironically paving the way for the Republic's eventual demise while he attempted to save it.
The Temple Burns and Sulla Returns
In 83 BC, Jupiter's temple on the Capitoline Hill burns down in an ominous portent as Sulla prepares his return to Rome. Having defeated Mithridates in the East, Sulla finds his enemies in control of Rome and his property confiscated. Led by Cinna and young Marius, his opponents have declared him a public enemy, but Sulla sends a chilling warning that he will return to take vengeance on all who wronged him.
- The Temple of Jupiter is struck by lightning and burns down on July 6, 83 BC, sending ominous signals across Rome
- Sulla has achieved remarkable victories over Mithridates, reversing all his conquests in only years and establishing Roman weapons inspectors
- Back in Rome, Sulla's enemies have declared him a public enemy, razed his house, and driven out his family and friends
- Sulla writes a threatening letter promising to return and take vengeance on behalf of all who were wronged
" He would be back very soon to take his vengeance on behalf of all those who had been wronged and on behalf of Rome itself upon the guilty men "
Cinna's Fatal Mistake
Cinna, who had held the consulship for four consecutive years in Sulla's absence, attempts to take the offensive by crossing to Greece to fight Sulla there. However, his campaign ends in disaster when a storm forces his fleet back and his troops mutiny. In a shocking turn of events, Cinna is murdered by his own soldiers during an assembly, leaving a massive leadership vacuum among Sulla's opponents.
- Cinna has held the consulship for four consecutive years, making Rome closer to autocracy than ever before
- Cinna attempts to cross to Greece with his armies but is hit by a storm and his troops refuse to continue
- When Cinna tries to address the mutinous troops, a soldier hits his lictor and the soldiers stone and stab Cinna to death
- Cinna's death is a massive stroke of luck for Sulla and creates a terrible contrast with Sulla's devoted troops
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