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?).
I mean the U.S Constitution has been the first and only real Constitution. Most of the rest of the world has copied ours in part and or in whole. With edits made where appropriate.
Lucius Succeeded in seizing power. He seized power at the behest of the Roman establishment. Because of a populist revolt seeking reform against the mismanagement and incompetence of the Roman Senate and Nobles. The revolt ironically headed by Julius Caesars Uncle.
He put down the revolt and purged many of the Ring Leaders including their families. An act of mercy on his part somewhat ironically sealed the death of the Republic. As a young Julius Caesar was spared the purge.
And we don’t know how Julius would have handled things. If he would have been another Sulla and eventually retired. Handing the keys back to the Senate. Or remained Dictator.
Because ironically enough. In a move echoing the mercy Sulla showed him. He spared some of the Men who later would go on to Assassinate him.