Sallust

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Houghton MS Richardson 17 - Sallust manuscript, ca. 1490, f51

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Piranesi-10047

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Medaglione contorniato di sallustio con busto

Laquila Piazza Palazzo Monumento Gaio Sallustio Crispo0001

Gaius Sallustius Crispus, commonly known as Sallust (86 BC – 35 BC), was a Roman historian and politician from the Roman Republic who is considered one of the earliest popular historians in Roman literature. His works are valuable for their insights into the political and social issues of his time.

Life

Sallust was born in Amiternum in the territory of the Sabines. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he came from a plebeian family and was educated in Rome. He entered public life as a Quaestor, and later became a Tribune of the Plebs. Sallust was known to be an ally of Julius Caesar, supporting him during the civil war against Pompey. After Caesar's victory, Sallust was appointed governor of the province of Africa Nova, where he was accused of extortion. Though he was likely guilty, he was protected by Caesar.

After his return to Rome, Sallust retired from public life and devoted himself to historical writing. He died in 35 BC.

Works

Sallust's most famous works are Bellum Catilinae (The War of Catiline), Bellum Jugurthinum (The Jugurthine War), and the fragmentary Historiae (Histories). His writings focus on the moral decline and corruption within the Roman Republic, emphasizing the need for moral reform.

Bellum Catilinae

The Bellum Catilinae describes the conspiracy in 63 BC led by Lucius Sergius Catilina (Catiline) to overthrow the Roman government. Sallust portrays Catiline as a symbol of the decadence of the Roman nobility and criticizes the moral decay of the Republic.

Bellum Jugurthinum

The Bellum Jugurthinum recounts the war against Jugurtha, the king of Numidia, from 111 BC to 105 BC. Sallust examines the reasons behind the Roman Republic's struggle to defeat Jugurtha, highlighting the corruption and incompetence of Rome's leaders.

Historiae

The Historiae, intended to cover the years 78–67 BC, survives only in fragments. It aimed to provide a detailed account of Roman history during that period, focusing on political and social issues.

Style and Influence

Sallust's writing style is characterized by its conciseness and vividness. He was heavily influenced by Thucydides in his approach to history, emphasizing causation and the moral lessons to be learned from history. Sallust's works have been praised for their insight into the nature of power and the complexities of political life in the Roman Republic.

Sallust's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting both Roman and later European historical writing. His works were widely read during the Renaissance and contributed to the development of historical criticism.

Legacy

Sallust is regarded as one of the first major Roman historians and a significant figure in the development of Roman historiography. His works provide critical perspectives on the political and moral state of the Roman Republic, offering valuable insights into its decline. Sallust's emphasis on moral integrity and his critique of corruption and greed have made his works enduringly relevant.