After winning civil wars, the military commanders Sula, and later, Cesar did what made themselves dictators urge the porch, a riot left the army or join the Senate
After winning the civil wars, both Sulla and later, Caesar, took actions to consolidate their power and establish themselves as dictators. Here is a breakdown of what they did:
1. Sulla:
After defeating his political opponents in a series of civil wars, Sulla was appointed as dictator by the Senate in 82 BC. He implemented several measures to solidify his control:
a. Proscriptions: Sulla created a list of political enemies and allowed anyone to kill or capture those listed. This led to widespread violence and bloodshed, allowing Sulla to eliminate his opponents and consolidate power.
b. Reforms: Sulla enacted numerous reforms to reshape the Roman constitution. He increased the number of senators, diminished the power of the tribunes, and strengthened the authority of the Senate, placing it above all other institutions.
c. Resignation: In 79 BC, Sulla voluntarily resigned from the dictatorship after achieving his desired reforms. He retired, but his actions set a precedent for future military commanders to seize power.
2. Caesar:
Following in Sulla's footsteps, Caesar emerged victorious in the civil war against his political rival, Pompey. He then took steps to establish his authority as a dictator:
a. Consolidation of Power: Caesar purged political opponents and expanded his own influence. He declared himself dictator for life in 44 BC, effectively sidelining the Republican government.
b. Land Reforms: Caesar implemented agrarian reforms to win support and loyalty from the common people. He redistributed land to veterans and provided benefits to the urban poor, creating a loyal class of supporters.
c. Military Reforms: He reorganized the Roman army, increasing its size and strength, and introduced various reforms to improve its loyalty to him. This ensured his control over the military, a crucial factor in maintaining power.
Caesar's actions eventually led to his assassination by a group of senators who feared the consolidation of power in his hands. However, his policies and changes had a lasting impact on the Roman world, setting the stage for the eventual transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.