PUBLIUS CORNELIUS SULLA

'Publius Cornelius Sulla' (d. 45 BC) was a politician of the late Roman Republic. He was the nephew (there is dispute over the degree of relatedness) of Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix. Some sources claim that the Dictator Sulla's elder brother had been adopted out at birth into the equestrian family of one Sextus Perquitianus, hence the young Publius did not make contact with his uncle until much later when he discovered his real family origins. He was elected consul in 66 BC (to assume office in 65 BC) together with Publius Autronius, but both were discovered to have committed bribery and were disqualified from the office. He was soon after implicated in the Catiline conspiracy, but was not convicted, having Marcus Tullius Cicero and Quintus Hortensius leading his defence. He is remembered most notably for having commanded the right wing of Julius Caesar's army at the battle of Pharsalus.