Catiline's War, The Jurgurthine War, Histories (Penguin Classics)
by Sallust
Sallust's Catiline's War, The Jugurthine War, and Histories offer vivid portrayals of Roman political intrigue and warfare. Through his sharp analysis, he exposes the corruption and ambition that undermined the Republic, providing timeless lessons on power and morality in ancient Rome.
About This Book
Sallust, a Roman historian of the late Republic, documented key events that shaped the empire's early history. His writings provide a critical perspective on the moral and political decay of Roman society during a time of civil strife.
In Catiline's War, Sallust recounts the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina against the Roman state in 63 BC. The narrative highlights the tensions between the elite and the disaffected, offering insights into the fragility of republican governance.
The Jugurthine War details Rome's protracted campaign against the Numidian king Jugurtha in the late 2nd century BC. Sallust examines the corruption within the Roman military and political systems that prolonged the conflict.
The Histories, though fragmentary, cover the period from 78 to 67 BC, chronicling internal Roman conflicts and external threats. Sallust's style is concise and rhetorical, emphasizing themes of virtue and vice in leadership.
These works are essential for understanding the transition from republic to empire, preserved in this accessible Penguin Classics edition for modern readers.
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