Sallust began his political career as a tribune of the plebs in 52 BC, an office that allowed him to advocate for the common people and oppose the senatorial elite. He gained a reputation for his sharp criticism of the corruption and moral decay that plagued Roman society. However, his political career was not without controversy. In 50 BC, he was expelled from the Senate, likely due to accusations of immorality and political maneuvering. Some scholars suggest that his opposition to the aristocracy made him a target for his political rivals. Despite this setback, Sallust remained a loyal supporter of Julius Caesar, joining him during the Civil War and playing a role in Caesar's African campaign against the remnants of Pompey's forces.
As a reward for his loyalty, Caesar appointed Sallust as governor of the newly formed province of Africa Nova in 46 BC. However, his tenure was marred by allegations of extortion and corruption, reinforcing the very issues he had criticized in others. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, Sallust retired from public life and dedicated himself to writing, producing some of the most significant historical texts of the era.
His most famous works, "Bellum Catilinae" (The War of Catiline) and "Bellum Jugurthinum" (The Jugurthine War), provide a critical perspective on the political events and figures of his time. "Histories," though only partially surviving, aimed to cover the history of Rome following the death of Sulla. Influenced by the Greek historian Thucydides, Sallust’s style is characterized by conciseness, moral reflection, and dramatic narrative, making his works both engaging and instructive.
Sallust died around 35 BC, leaving behind a legacy as one of Rome’s earliest and most influential historians. His works continue to be studied for their historical value and literary merit, offering timeless reflections on power, ambition, and corruption.
Sallust: Historian and Critic of Rome’s Decline
