Civil war against Sulla The years 87–84 BC are often described as spent "waiting for Sulla" and what exactly Sertorius did while Cinna controlled Rome is unclear. He was not sent with Gaius Flavius Fimbria and Lucius Valerius Flaccus east for the First Mithridatic War. Sertorius certainly served in the government during this time; Cinna may have utilized his skill as a soldier and popularity with the people to quell any remnants of revolt and stabilize Italy, thereby consolidating his power and that of the Marian government. He probably also helped train and levy soldiers for Sulla's inevitable return. Marius died in January 86 BC; eventually, Cinna himself was murdered in 84 BC, lynched by his own troops. It is probable that Sertorius became praetor in 85 or 84 BC.
civil war against sulla the years 87–84 bc are often described as spent "waiting for sulla" and what exactly sertorius did while cinna controlled rome is unclear he was not sent with gaius flavius fimbria and lucius valerius flaccus east for the first mithridatic war sertorius certainly served in the government during this time; cinna may have utilized his skill as a soldier and popularity with the people to quell any remnants of revolt and stabilize italy thereby consolidating his power and that of the marian government he probably also helped train and levy soldiers for sulla's inevitable return marius died in january 86 bc; eventually cinna himself was murdered in 84 bc lynched by his own troops it is probable that sertorius became praetor in 85 or 84 bc