Who is Sulla from Roman Blood and what is their importance? Roma_Sub_Rosa English & Literature Sulla | Roman Blood

Sulla is a man who was born into impoverished circumstances and managed to work his way up the military ladder. He is the brother-in-law of Rufus Messalla. Sulla's current spouse, his fifth, is Valeria Messalla. It is also well-known that Sulla is bisexual. This is evidenced in his attraction to young Rufus and his longstanding affair with Metrobius, a famous female impersonator. Of indeterminate age, Sulla was once known for his "leonine mane" which now is faded, coarse and dull. Gordianus remarks that Sulla's skin is blemished and splotchy, discolored "and etched all over with red veins as fine as bee's hair", which would imply that Sulla has a fondness for wine. His lips are dry and he has hair growing out of one nostril. It is clear from Gordianus's description of him that Sulla's private and public lives have taken their toll on him. His eyes, however, still bear the passion and ruthlessness of a much younger man.