Lucius Cornelius Sulla vs Ricimer

Sulla led his legions to march on Rome, the first Roman general to do so. He seized control of the city, declared his political enemies outlaws, and forced reforms to strengthen the Senate's power.

Sulla commanded Roman forces against King Mithridates VI of Pontus. He besieged and captured Athens, defeated Mithridates' armies in Greece, and forced a peace treaty that restored Roman control over Asia Minor.

Sulla enacted constitutional reforms to restore Senate authority. He increased the Senate's size, limited tribunician power, and established courts for senatorial control. These reforms aimed to prevent future popular uprisings.

After becoming dictator, Sulla instituted proscriptions, publishing lists of political enemies who could be killed without trial. Thousands of Roman citizens were executed, their property confiscated and distributed to Sulla's supporters.

Sulla voluntarily resigned his dictatorship and retired to private life. This unprecedented act demonstrated his belief that his reforms were complete, but also set a precedent for future dictators to seize power permanently.

Ricimer, as magister militum, led a revolt against Emperor Avitus, defeating him at the Battle of Placentia. Avitus was deposed and later died, establishing Ricimer as the power behind the throne in the Western Roman Empire.

Ricimer deposed and executed Emperor Majorian, whom he had previously supported. This act demonstrated Ricimer's control over the Western Empire and led to a series of weak emperors who served at his pleasure.

Ricimer besieged Rome to depose Emperor Anthemius, whom he had appointed. After capturing the city, Ricimer allowed his troops to sack it, causing widespread destruction. Anthemius was killed, and Ricimer installed Olybrius as emperor.