Lucius Cornelius Sulla of the ancient Roman Republic was actually its first true dictator. He saw the rot that was prevalent in the Roman Republic, and after seizing power, he ordered the execution of his political enemies, and conducted constitutional reforms. After he turned back the corruption in the Republic, he retired to his villa. But Rome soon started to collapse again, so he had to take power AGAIN, and stayed for a longer period of time, reviving the Republic, before retiring to his villa.
People, like myself typically compare Trump to a Caesar like figure. But after some time in thought on the matter, Trump seems to have more in common with Sulla as a historical parallel.
He’ll revive and save the republic, but we might not be out of the woods just yet, and we still might have a future Caesar like figure that officially turns America from a Republic to a legitimate Empire (Barron?).
You realize Sulla sought to purge the populares which were the faction in support of populist reforms and restraining the power of his faction the Optimates which were the Pro-Senate, Pro-Status Quo faction. Correct?
Somewhat ironically Julius Caesars family was among the populares. With his Uncle Gaius Marius being Sullas primary opposition. And later the man who led a revolt that gave Sulla the grounds to be granted the dictatorship. A fit of Mercy on behalf of Sulla ended up sparing the life of the young Julius.
A gracious act Caesar later copied when he seized power. Sparing the lives of those who would go on to assassinate him. Despite being urged to kill them all by advisors. And setting the stage for the true death of the Roman Republic. And rise of Augustus