Sallust

Date of Birth: 86 BC

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 35 BC

Biography

Gaius Sallustius Crispus, commonly known as Sallust, was a Roman historian, politician, and member of the senatorial class who lived during the late Roman Republic. Born in 86 BC in Amiternum, a Sabine town in central Italy, Sallust is best known for his works “The Conspiracy of Catiline” and “The Jugurthine War.” These historical monographs provided a detailed account of two critical events in Roman history: the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina in 63 BC and the war against Jugurtha, the King of Numidia. Sallust began his political career as a quaestor and then as a tribune of the plebs in 52 BC, where he was an ardent supporter of Julius Caesar. His association with Caesar led to his appointment as governor of the newly formed province of Africa Nova after Caesar’s victory in the African Campaign. However, his career was marred by accusations of corruption and mismanagement, leading him to retire from politics and devote himself to writing. Sallust’s historical works are celebrated for their concise and vivid style, moralistic tone, and critical perspective on the moral decay of Roman society. He is often regarded as a pioneer of Roman historiography, influencing later historians such as Tacitus and Livy.

5 Interesting Facts about Sallust

1. Sallust was expelled from the Senate in 50 BC on charges of immorality, a decision later reversed by Julius Caesar.

2. He served as the governor of Africa Nova, where he amassed considerable wealth, although his tenure was controversial.

3. Sallust’s works are among the earliest examples of monographs in Roman literature, focusing on specific events rather than a chronological history.

4. His villa, the Horti Sallustiani, became one of the most luxurious estates in Rome and was later owned by several Roman emperors.

5. Sallust emphasized the moral decline of Rome, attributing it to greed and the loss of traditional Roman virtues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sallust

1. “Few men desire liberty; the majority are satisfied with a just master.”

2. “To like and dislike the same things, that is indeed true friendship.”

3. “Every man is the architect of his own fortune.”

4. “It is better to live in chains than to die free.”

5. “The fame of great men ought to be judged always by the means they used to acquire it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not available due to the historical context, Sallust was known to have accumulated considerable wealth during his tenure as governor of Africa Nova, which allowed him to build the luxurious Horti Sallustiani.