The History of the Social War

Lucius Cornelius Sulla was given full command of the southern troops in 89 BC. He showed himself to be a brilliant tactician and leader of men. His fame was growing, and he emerged as the clear hero of the Social War. This did not sit well with Marius, who had been maneuvered out of his command in the north when the Senate gave the north over to Capio. When Capio fell in battle, Marius was sure he was destined to return to Rome the triumphant hero. But the Senate again thwarted him and sent the consul Pompey Strabo, the father of Pompey the Great, north to take over. Once Ascalm fell, the