The Italian Allies and Other Problems

M. Livius Drusus

• V. wealthy son of man who undermined C. Gracchus in 123
• Self proclaimed "patron of senate"
  • Resented by many senior senators
• Tr. pl. 91
• Tries to solve all political problems in Rome with a series of laws
  • Tries to make broad coalition
  • Totality of laws opposed
  • Proposes citizenship for Itialian allies
• Assassinated

Social War

• With death of Drusus, allies give up hope of getting citizenship peacefully
• Not all allies revolt
• Aims negative
  • If Romans won't give citizenship, they'll form their own "state"
• Several defeats inflicted on Roman armies in 90, 89
• Romans promptly grant citizenship
• Rebels mostly subdued by 89

Marius vs. Sulla, 88

• Sulla was Marius' quaestor in Numidia
• Marius embittered
  • Resents:
    • Sulla's attempt to claim glory of ending war with Jugurtha
    • Lack of respect in senate
    • Shabby treatment during Social War
• Sulla wins consulship for 88
  • Receives command in looming war in East against Mithridates
• Dispute over enrollment of allies in tribes
• Tribune seeks Marius' aid for enrollment scheme
  • Distribute new citizens in old tribes rather than segregate them in a few new ones
• Marius to receive command in East
• Sulla marches with troops on Rome
  • Senatorial officers don't cooperate
  • Troops stick with their general
• Tribune killed, Marius flees
• Sulla leaves for East in spring of 87