88 BC

Events

### Politics and World Affairs

The year 88 BC was marked by significant events that had far-reaching consequences for the Roman Empire.

#### Mithridatic War

In Asia Minor, King Mithridates VI of Pontos ordered the massacre of approximately 80,000 Romans (Vespers of Ephesus), sparking the First Mithridatic War. The cause of this conflict was the high taxes and tribute payments imposed by the Roman Empire on its subjects in Asia Minor. However, due to the weakening of the Roman army, the demands were temporarily halted, leading to a shortage of money in Rome and subsequent economic stagnation.

#### Sulla's Rise to Power

Meanwhile, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, who would later become dictator, was appointed as consul alongside Quintus Pompius Rufus. Sulla led successful campaigns against the Samnites, while his colleague, Quintus Metellus Pius, captured Venusia. The Roman general Mamercus Aemilius defeated the Mars chief Pompaedius Silo, and Nola was besieged.

#### Civil War in Rome

A civil war broke out in Rome as Publius Sulpicius Rufus renounced his patrician status to become a plebeian and launched an electoral reform that redistributed power among the thirty-five tribes. This move favored Caius Marius, who was set to be appointed against Mithridates VI by the Comices. However, Sulla was charged with fighting against Mithridates by the Roman Senate, and he traveled to Rome to counter Marius's influence.

#### Other Events

The Egyptian pharaoh Ptolemy X fell in an attempt to conquer Cyprus, leading to his brother Ptolemy IX succeeding him as ruler.