Certamen Harvard Intermediate Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The military career that began with persuading Bocchus to betray Jugurtha is indeed attributed to L. Cornelius Sulla. Sulla was a significant figure in Roman history, particularly known for his role in the Jugurthine War against Jugurtha, the King of Numidia. His early success was marked by his diplomatic maneuvering, specifically convincing Bocchus, Jugurtha's father-in-law, to side with Rome. This betrayal was a key turning point that allowed Sulla to achieve considerable acclaim and advance his political and military ambitions.

Later in his career, Sulla famously marched on Rome in 88 B.C., an unprecedented act that signified a shift in Roman politics, as he sought to assert his authority over the city and its governance amid the complexities of the Social War and internal threats. Sulla's actions during this period set a precedent for future military leaders of Rome to engage directly in its political affairs, indicating the merging of military power with political influence.

Understanding Sulla’s early achievements and the subsequent march on Rome provides crucial insight into his character and tactics, which shaped the trajectory of Roman military and political history.