Hydarnes the Elder vs Sulla

Hydarnes was one of the seven Persian nobles who conspired to overthrow Gaumata, the Magian usurper who had seized the throne after Cambyses II's death. He participated in the assassination of Gaumata, paving the way for Darius I to become king.

Darius I appointed Hydarnes as governor of the central satrapies of the Achaemenid Empire, a region encompassing Media and surrounding territories. He administered this key area, ensuring loyalty and collecting tribute for the crown.

Hydarnes commanded the elite Persian infantry unit known as the Immortals during the Second Persian invasion of Greece. He led them at the Battle of Thermopylae, where they outflanked the Greek position via the Anopaia path, leading to the Greek defeat.

Sulla led his army into Rome, the first Roman general to do so, to seize control from Marius and his supporters. He declared Marius and his allies enemies of the state, establishing a precedent of military intervention in politics.

Sulla's forces defeated the Samnite and Lucanian allies of the Marians at the Colline Gate in Rome. The victory secured Sulla's control of the city and ended the civil war in Italy.

After defeating his enemies, Sulla was appointed dictator with unlimited powers. He enacted reforms to strengthen the Senate, limit tribunician power, and reorganize the courts, aiming to restore aristocratic control.

Sulla published lists of political enemies, offering rewards for their killing and confiscating their property. Thousands of Roman citizens, including senators and equestrians, were executed or exiled, terrorizing the opposition.

Sulla voluntarily resigned his dictatorship and retired to private life, an unprecedented act. He died the following year, leaving a legacy of constitutional reform and military autocracy.