Sallust’s ‘History of Catiline’s Conspiracy’ presents a gripping narrative that investigates the political turmoil of late Roman Republic, focusing on the failed coup led by Lucius Sergius Catilina in 63 BCE. Written in a concise and vivid prose style characteristic of Sallust, the text employs a moral viewpoint deeply influenced by his belief in the decay of Roman values and the moral responsibilities of citizenship. Through detailed accounts and sharp characterizations, Sallust examines themes of ambition, corruption, and the struggle for power, offering a lens into a pivotal moment of betrayal and disillusionment that resonates with contemporary political discourse. Sallust, a Roman historian and politician from the late Republic era, faced the surplus of internal conflict and corruption firsthand, serving in various political capacities before retreating into writing. This personal engagement with the tumultuous events of his time, coupled with his philosophical inclinations, informed his historiography, allowing him to critique the Republic’s decline while exploring the psychological motives behind political actions. His earlier works, influenced by the tension between personal ethics and public duty, set the stage for this incisive analysis of Catiline’s conspiracy. For readers interested in political history and its complexities, Sallust’s ‘History of Catiline’s Conspiracy’ offers an essential exploration of ambition and moral decay, illuminating not only a significant event in Roman history but also timeless insights into the human condition. This classic work serves as a crucial reference for understanding the intricate dance of power and ethics in governance, making it a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts of historical narratives.
Over de auteur
Gaius Sallustius Crispus, known simply as Sallust (86–35 BCE), was a prominent Roman historian and politician, distinguished for his concise and pithy historical works. Hailing from an Italian plebeian family, Sallust’s political career was marked by his service as a tribune of the people in 52 BCE, and later as the governor of the province of Africa Nova. However, his political path was not without controversy; his governorship ended in accusations of extortion, a common vice among Roman provincial governors of the era.
As an author, Sallust is acclaimed for his monographs, which bear a distinct rhetorical and moralistic character, reflecting the influence of Greek historiography. His most recognized work, ‘History of Catiline’s Conspiracy’ (‘Bellum Catilinae’), provides a detailed account of the seditious plot led by Lucius Sergius Catilina against the Roman Republic in 63 BCE. This work, along with ‘The Jugurthine War’ and the fragmentary ‘Histories’, illustrates Sallust’s lean towards analyzing moral decline and the corruption of noble Roman values. Sallust’s literary style, with its archaic flavor and sophisticated structure, has secured his position as a significant contributor to the Silver Age of Latin literature. His works offer incisive insights into the political machinations and social turmoil of the late Roman Republic, serving as invaluable resources for historians and literary scholars alike.
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