8. Sulla Expanded Rights for Former Slaves
Lucius Cornelius Sulla’s tenure as dictator from 82 to 79 BCE was marked by significant constitutional reforms aimed at reinforcing the Senate’s authority and curbing the influence of popular assemblies and tribunes. He expanded the Senate’s membership from approximately 300 to 600 by inducting new members from the equestrian order and Italian nobility. Additionally, Sulla transferred control of the courts from the equites back to the Senate, thereby enhancing senatorial power. These measures were designed to restore the traditional Republican balance of power (britannica.com).
