When word of the dictator’s death reached Rome, a debate erupted over how to respond. Some believed that it was already time to mark his career infamous and deny funeral rights. Sulla had murdered his fellow citizens and made himself tyrant. But Pompey stepped forward and retorted that he believed that a great man like Sulla deserved an elaborate public funeral, and he couldn’t believe it was even a question. The elaborate funeral was duly staged. But the debate over Sulla’s legacy was only beginning. In later years, what one thought of Sulla spoke volumes about one’s character.
