on in the Roman republic. After his term of praetor was up, he returned to the battle field. This time it was against Mithridates, King of Pontus.Sulla did not have a full army with him so he had to recruit soldiers from Roman allies. His ability to get these soldiers and to push Mithridates back, shows his great military skills. This campaign was also important because it brought Rome into contact with the powerful Parthia Empire. He was able to arrange a treaty with Parthia, which was a milestone for Sulla. This would not be the last time he would meet Mithridates in battle. Soon Sulla and Marius again had to forget there many differences to defend Rome against Allied Italian forces who had declared war on Rome. They had set up their own government and were preparing to become an independent nation. This war was known as the Social War because the Latin name for Roman allies was socii. It was ended by a more important conflict, the invasion of a Roman province in Asia Minor by Mithridates. The Romans and the Italians signed a peace treaty in 89 B.C. Soon the main focus for Rome was Mithridates of Pontus in the east. In 88 B.C. Sulla was elected consul. The Senate also named him commander of the forces against Mithridates. Marius had wanted this command for himself. After Sulla left Rome Marius convinced the people's assembly to give him support in gaining this command, in return he agreed to give the Italian allies full rights. Sulla was training his troops south of Rome when he heard what was happening. Sulla took immediate action and led his army against Rome. For the first time in Roman history, a Roman army stayed loyal to its commander and charged against their own city. Sulla quickly took control of Rome. He believed the enemies to be the populares party, so he made the optimates the party in power. He also abolished many laws passed by Marius. After taking control of Rome, he decided to focus on defeating Mith...
