Prior to this civil war, Sulla began his political career under Gauis Marius. After Sulla broke away from Gauis Marius, their civil war against one another began. Sulla belonged to a conservative political faction that supported privileges and traditions given specifically to the aristocracy. This political faction was known as the Optimates. Gauis Marius, in contrast, supported the plight of the poor. Marius's faction was known as the Populares. Sulla won the civil war against his opponent between 88 and 87 B.C. He became one of the most revered Roman dictators of his time. Sulla was elected dictator under the Lex Valeria (a set of laws known as Valerian law). .
Sulla accomplished many tasks during his dictatorship. First, he made the Senator and Senate stronger. He established new laws and reformed the Roman constitution. Sulla also weakened the Plebeian Tribunes (a group that represented the poor.) Sulla increased the Senate size from 300 to 600 people. Sulla also elected quaestors, which served as treasures and junior officers to the state. These quaestors gained automatic membership to the senate. He was a skilled military and political leader. Sulla was the first Roman leader to establish the use of army for personal autocracy. One of his greatest accomplishments was his victory of the Jurgurthine War. After the war, he was awarded the grass crown, which reflected the highest military honor given to a political leader. .
Sulla left behind a memorable legacy. He was sly as a fox and ruthless as a lion, but was a brilliant military leader. He will be forever remembered as one of the greatest Roman military dictators. He contributed notable reforms that strengthened the Roman Republic. Sulla played a vital historical role in shaping and reforming the Republic before military opponents would destroy it. He is also revered as a Roman praetor (or chief magistrate) who fought in many social wars such as: the Jugurthine and Mithradatic Wars.