Sallust: Pioneer of Roman Political History and Literary Style

Sallust: Rome's First Political Historian

Sallust can be considered the creator of history as a literary genre and the first political historian. In this sense, he was the interpreter of the crisis of the Republic and the progressive deterioration of its ancient institutions.

Sallust's Major Works: Catiline and Jugurtha

He wrote two monographs: Conspiracy of Catiline and War with Jugurtha. These works detail Catiline's attempt to seize power by force during Cicero's consulate, and the Roman war against Jugurtha, who had imposed himself on other pretenders to the throne of Numidia against Rome's will, respectively.

The Conspiracy of Catiline: A Roman Crisis

The Conspiracy of Catiline, this historical monograph on Catiline's conspiracy, was probably written in 47 BC. The author undertakes the narrative of the events of 63 BC in a spirit conducive to Caesar. Sallust was primarily interested in Catiline's character and the risk he posed to the state. He speaks of events he knew well, as he was 24 when they took place.

Moral Considerations and Catiline's Character

The narrative is preceded by moral considerations in which the author justifies his decision to engage in the cultivation of history, specifically the history of the Roman people. Within this, he chose the Catiline conspiracy first. Upon entering the field, what attracts him most is the protagonist's character, which embodies the fundamental characteristics of evil and boundless ambition. Knowing the protagonist and the society in which he moves, we see how the plot is generated and develops through a dramatic story that maintains interest until the denouement in the Battle of Pistoia.

The War with Jugurtha: Social and Political Conflict

The War with Jugurtha. Drawing on the Memoirs of the era, works in the Punic language, and his own documented knowledge of the country where he served as proconsul in 46 BC, Sallust wrote a work of great historical value, which displays his significant narrative gifts. In this important episode, he studies the struggle between the people and the nobility, characterizing the rise to power of the commoner Marius. The historian demonstrates a detailed knowledge of social problems.

Sallust's Historiae: Fragments of Roman History

After Iugurthinum Bellum (The War with Jugurtha), Sallust composed the Historiae in five books, of which we have only fragments. It narrated events from Sulla's death to the year 67 BC. In this work, Sallust presents the dire consequences of Sulla's domination, the corruption of the noble class, and the clashes between the two dominant parties of that time. Only fragments remain, but from them, we can deduce that it was a work of very carefully crafted literary form.

Sallust's Historical Method and Literary Style

Sallust chose recent historical issues, which allowed him to stay close to events and eliminate the monotony of linear continuity. He knew how to select episodes based on interest, focusing on essentials and highlighting great personalities. His work combines moralistic drama and history. He characterizes his characters through speeches and portraits placed in their mouths. His style is:

• Dense
• Dark
• Archaic
• Solemn
• Austere
• Concise
• Asymmetrical