Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix, better known as Sulla was born in 138 B. in Puteoli, a city near present-day Naples. He was born into a patrician family (this title was given to a wealthy upper class citizen of the Roman Republic). Sulla aspired to become a politician, and he began his political career in 107 B.C. under the command of King Gauis Marius. Sulla was in the shadows of the Roman political elite. It is assumed that his ability to climb the Roman political ladder was due in part to his family inheritances. Before becoming Roman dictator and during his early days as ruler, the Roman government suffered a sense of instability. There were series of political developments that arose in which, the aristocratic dominance and control over the Roman constitution was weakened.
Sulla had an interesting dynamic with the women in his life. He would marry a total of five times. His first marriage was to his wife Julia. Then his second marriage would be with his love, Aelia. Cloelia would become his third wife. His fourth marriage was to Caecilia Metella Dalmatica. Finally, his final marriage was with Valeria. Sulla would father a total of six children during these marriages. His marriages were often times short-lived and lacked consistency. It was with his last wife, Valeria he seemed to have his strongest bond. Sulla would retire from his political life and return to his estate in Puteoli. He would spend his final days with his lovely Valeria writing his memoirs. Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix wrote his memoirs prior to his death in 78 B.C. According to ancient records, Sulla died of either a ruptured gastric ulcer or liver failure. Stories during the time of Sulla suggest he died peacefully in bed. This most likely happened due to Sulla's chronic alcohol abuse and his reckless lifestyle. .
Sulla was a Roman commander and statesman who fought a civil war against King Gauis Marius. Gauis Marius was also a statesman and military leader.