Overview
The Marian-Sullan Civil Wars were the first major internal conflicts of the Roman Republic, fought between the populares faction led by Marius and the optimates led by Sulla.
Historical Context
These wars arose from tensions between traditional Roman aristocracy and populist politicians, exacerbated by the Social War and conflicts with foreign enemies.
Influence on Stoicism
The brutality and chaos of civil war reinforced Stoic teachings about the unreliability of external goods like political power and the importance of maintaining virtue regardless of circumstances.
Key Moments
88 BCE
Sulla's first march on Rome
First time a Roman general led an army against Rome itself
87 BCE
Marius's return and proscriptions
Demonstrated the deadly consequences of political extremism
82 BCE
Sulla's dictatorship established
Showed how republican institutions could be subverted by force
Legacy
These wars established the precedent for using violence in Roman politics and made Stoic principles of virtue and duty essential for maintaining moral integrity in corrupt times.