[German version]

B. 123 BC at Nursia (Samnium), of an equestrian family. He gained military experience in 105/4 under Q. Servilius [I 12] Caepio and C. Marius [I 1] in the wars against the Cimbri and Teutoni, and in 98-93 under T. Didius [I 4] in Spain, where he particularly distinguished himself and acquired intimate knowledge of the country. In 91, S. was quaestor in Gallia Cisalpina, after which he fought in the Social War [3]. In 89 or 88, his candidature for the people's tribunate was thwarted by the resistance of L. Cornelius [I 90] Sulla, and S. changed sides to join Sulla's opponent, L. Corn…