Lucio Cornelio Silla
According to the sources, the adjective that best defines the figure of Lucio Cornelio Silla (138 BC-78 BC), consul and dictator of the Roman Republic, is sadistic.
Ruthless against enemies, but also against unarmed citizens who did not constitute any period, Silla seemed to enjoy inflicting pain and seemed to enjoy the suffering of others.
The anecdote following is more than eloquent in this regard.
While Silla was engaged in a senatorial meeting in the temple of Bellona, outside, in Campo Marzio, the prisoners were horribly slaughtered by order of him.
From the place of the massacre came such excruciating screams and a screech of weapons so unbearable as to upset the soul of the bystanders, visibly terrified by the atrocious spectacle; Silla, realizing the bewilderment of the participants, with utmost coldness and unprecedented cynicism, warmly invited them not to distract attention from the important speech he was delivering, explaining that it was, after all, only the just punishment inflicted on the miserable. / P>